Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class certificate_of_authenticity He held the rank of

He held the rank of Feldwebel (Sergeant) and may have received additional promotions

the pan is maker marked on the reverse with “G & C L

the Venerable Order of St

Second Class Star with Swords

Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class certificate_of_authenticity He held the rank of(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 20 March 1918 by Duke Ernst August. (1918 issue). Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August, flanked by oak leaves, topped by a crown, and situated above a date of 1914, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 40. 36 mm (w) x 40. 55 mm (h), weighing 20. 5 grams, an award piece