Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 visually-hidden interspersed with red threading

interspersed with red threading

Fair to good

the cross is surmounted by a crown and worn on a yellow and black ribbon

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

a photo essay of Afrika Korps personnel with a headline of “WASSER IN DER WÜSTE” (“WATER IN THE DESERT”)

Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 visually-hidden interspersed with red threading(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