Hesse, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Cross 1870/71 Newly Listed The throat has the arrow

The throat has the arrow marking

in bronze with glass eye

1942 and discharged a week later

bar is stamped “14K J

Hesse, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Cross 1870/71 Newly Listed The throat has the arrow(Militr Verdienstkreuz 1870 71). Instituted 12 September 1870 by Grand Duke Ludwig III. (1870 1885 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse with a central monogram of Ludwig III, the arms with an inscription of GOTT, EHRE, VATERLAND (GOD, HONOUR, FATHERLAND), the reverse with a central monogram of Ludwig III, the arms with an inscription of DEN 12. SEPTEMBER