Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. A General Honour Decoration, Silver Medal For War Merit, C.1917 Auction enamel chipping at the top

enamel chipping at the top of the upper arm on the obverse

The sword measures 983 mm in length and weighs 496 grams overall

Constructed of black rayon

tradition badge U-427

96 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball)

Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. A General Honour Decoration, Silver Medal For War Merit, C.1917 Auction enamel chipping at the top(Allgemeine Ehrenzeichen). Instituted on 25 September 1843. Type III. (1917 1918 Issue). A round silver medal, the obverse centre presents the left facing portrait of Ernst Ludwig, circumscribed by the inscription ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERZOG VON HESSEN, the reverse centre presents the inscription FR KRIEGSVERDIENSTE (FOR WAR MERIT), surrounded by a border comprised of half oak leaves and half laurel leaves, measuring 33. 26 mm in diameter, weighing 14. 3