1917 KRIEGSEHRENZEICHEN IN EISEN WITH AWARD CERTIFICATE AND MEDAL BAR

1917 KRIEGSEHRENZEICHEN IN EISEN WITH AWARD CERTIFICATE AND MEDAL BAR

Rare medal, the "Kriegsehrenzeichen in Eisen" ("War Decoration of Honour in Iron"), issued in Hessen-Darmstadt, 1917. The blackened iron and silver badge bears an iron laurel wreath and silver cipher of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig surmounted by the Hessian crown. A ribbon at the base is inscribed "25". The reverse bears a (replaced) pin for wear. Measures 1.75 x 1.4 in. The decoration, awarded for bravery and front-line service, was instituted by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig on March 13, 1917 to mark the 25th anniversary of his accession and as a visible sign of his appreciation for the deeds of the Hessian Army. The medal is accompanied by the rare award certificate, 1p. oblong 8vo., Darmstadt, Oct. 10, 1917, issued to Unteroffizier Julius Strauss of Infanterie. Regt. 349. Also included is the soldier's medal bar with 1914 Iron Cross, 2nd Class, the Ernst Ludwig General Honour Decoration, Territorial Army Long Service Award II class, ribbon bar and lapel ribbon button. All in very good to fine condition.