Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 visually-hidden stating that he had twelve

stating that he had twelve years' previous service with the Infantry and Artillery Volunteers

Fair to good

This particular buckle is illustrated on page 307 of "Belt Buckles & Brocades of the Third Reich

topped by an inscription of “DEN 17 MÄRZ 1863” and above laurel and oak leaf branches

Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 visually-hidden stating that he had twelve(Militr Verdienstkreuz). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte with ribbed arms, the obverse bearing a central medallion overlaid by a raised inscription of KRIEGS VERDIENST (WAR MERIT), situated above laurel branches, the reverse bearing a central medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, unmarked, measuring 39. 04 mm (w) x 42. 44 mm (h), weighing 11. 5