Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class, By Wilhelm Deumer Newly Listed accompanied a mid-20th century silk

accompanied a mid-20th century silk sash

an embroidered manufacturer's label sewn in place at junction on the reverse of the ribbon inscribed "MASONIC MANUFrs ESTd 1801 Spencer & Co 19

(Reichsfinanzverwaltung Oberzollsekretar Schulterklappen)

the British recruited Chinese to serve in the Chinese Labour Corps for service in rear areas on the Western Front to free troops for front line duty

The Order was established in two divisions

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class, By Wilhelm Deumer Newly Listed accompanied a mid-20th century silkConstructed of silvered zink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked with LDO code L 11 for Wilhelm Deumer, Ldenscheid, measuring 48. 24 mm (w) x 47. 69 mm (h), weighing 15. 6 grams, with oxidation and loss of finish evident throughout, in overall very fine condition.