At the outbreak of WWI Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin reestablished the Military Merit Medal for award for outstanding merit in combat. Die struck brass construction 42mm Patté style cross. Obverse of award features an embossed central "FF" cypher, for Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II, re-institution date, "1914", to bottom arm and King's crown to top arm. Arms of the cross have a slightly textured field with ribbing to outside edges and all three emblems are in nice high relief. Reverse features embossed script, "Für Ausziechnung im Kriege", (For Distinction in War), also on slightly textured field with ribbing to outside edges. Ribbon suspension loop and ring are both intact. Award comes complete with ribbed rayon ribbon in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin state colours of powder blue with bright yellow and red outer border stripes..