Cased Imperial Hamburg Hanseatic Cross

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Hanseatenkreuz - Hamburg im Etui. Instituted in 1915, the Hanseatic Cross was jointly sponsored by the three Hanseatic cities of: Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck and was awarded to military and civilians who aided in the 1914-1918 war efforts. It is constructed out of a two-piece die struck copper base that has been silver washed and contains red translucent enamel work. The obverse features a centrally placed Hamburg coat of arms above a translucent red backing and pattée style cross. The reverse displays a centrally placed “Für Verdienst im Kriege 1914” (For Merit in the War 1914), above a pattée style cross. To the top is a soldered-on loop and double ring. It measures 1 9/16 inches square. Accompanying the award is a 7 1/4 inches of red and white rayon ribbon. The award and ribbon come housed in its original issue case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard and white lacquered paper case. The top features an impressed gold foil Hamburg coat of arms within a shield. The interior has a cotton padding. The case is in very rough condition, with missing pieces, some tape holding it together and is falling apart. It measures 4 5/8 inches deep by 2 9/16 inches wide by ¾ of an inch thick.