ORIGINAL GERMAN, WW1, HAMBURG HANSEATIC CROSS (IRON CROSS) MEDAL 1914-1918

The item in the image is a Hanseatic Cross, specifically the Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, a military decoration from World War I. It was awarded by the three Hanseatic city-states of Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck to both military personnel and civilians for meritorious service in the war effort. The cross is a red-enameled silver cross pattée, featuring the coat of arms of Hamburg in the center. It was established in 1915 and discontinued at the end of 1918. The pictured cross has some wear and tear, notably on the ribbon, but the enamel appears to be in good condition. Approximately 50,000 of these crosses were awarded