SMGM-3699 6pc Medal bar 1914 ek2, Lippe, Hanseatic, Hindenburg, 40yr Heer, 12yr heer

From left to right: A 1914 Iron cross, WWI AUSZEICHNUNG IM FUR KRIEGE 1914 MERIT CROSS Medal Leopold IV German (lippe Detmold), Bremen Hanseatic Cross, Hindenburg merit cross, 40 year Wehrmacht long service medal with Heer Device and a stunning 12 year Wehrmacht long service with heer device. The medals are in pristine condition. No chips or scratches to the enamel in the Hanseatic Cross.

The Hanseatic Cross was jointly instituted by agreement of the senates of the three cities, with each senate ratifying the award on different days. The Lübeck version was established first, on 21 August 1915. The Hamburg version followed on 10 September and the Bremen version on 14 September. The cross was awarded for merit in war, and could be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel. When awarded for bravery or combat merit, it was the three cities’ equivalent of the Prussian Iron Cross.