Mecklinburg-Strelitz merit cross 2d class

[Don D.]

Mecklinburg-Strelitz merit cross 2d class (EK2 equivellent). (front)

[Don D.]

The reverse.

[Peter J.]

Hi Don,

Interesting cross. What metal would you say it is? This is probably nothing, but the patina presents itself in a strange way, almost flakey. I've never seen that on a silver cross . Here's another for comparison, different manufacture and I suppose in bronse. What's your thought on this one?

KR
Peter

[Don D.]

Peter, that finish is actually patina. I think it has been handled alot and has had a hard life as you can see by the eye repair.
Don

[Christian L]

both are really nice and not that often seen - not to talk about the first class!
christian

[Fred Borgmann]

The "Patina" looks like the kind of tarnish that is a sign of good silver exposed to a degree of dampness while in contact with cloth. After 1915 these were made in silver plated bronze but good thick silver plating would react the same way. Looks like a nice piece to me. Fred