An Imperial Germany Great War 'Gallantry' medal pair on 'Parade Mount', as worn by a decorated German veteran from 'Hesse State':

- Germany Imperial (Hesse State). Silvered Bravery Medal 1914-18
- Germany (Imperial): Cross of Honour (a.k.a. Hindenburg Cross) 1914-1918. Combatant ('G 10' maker marks on reverse)

- Germany: Iron Cross 1914. Second Class breast Badge ('K.M.')
- Baden: Medal of Merit Silver
- Germany: Hindenburg Cross 1914-1918. Combatant ('G 10')

Hessen Bravery Medal: Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The bust of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, facing left, with the inscription 'ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERTZOG VON HESSEN' around the circumference. Reverse: 'FUR TAPFERKEIT' (For Bravery) in the centre on two lines within a wreath of half laurel and half oak leaves

Originally the Hessen Bravery Medal was established in 1848 as the General Honor Decoration. It was awarded without regard to rank 'For Bravery' and was the grand duchy's standard military award, being the equivalent to the Prussian Iron Cross Second class. It was a relatively common award. Although limited by statute to subjects of Hesse or to those serving in Hessian units, this provision was commonly ignored. The receipt of the Iron Cross was not a prerequisite. As the archives at the Hessian capital, Darmstadt, were destroyed in the Second World War, it is not known exactly how many Hesse Bravery Medals awarded, but an estimate of 150,000 has been made. The medals were originally made of silver, but as the first World War progressed, less expensive metals were used, such as silvered Kriegsmetall

The 2 x medals mounted on silk ribands and as-worn in a typical contemporary German 'Parade Mount', or 'Continental' style. The reverse of the mounting pad retaining its original long hinged-pin & clasp fittings

Condition: VF

Code: 24010