Germany, Hanseatic States, A complete set of the three Hanseatic Crosses, 40mm, silver and enamel, with key central medallion for Bremen; tower central medallion for Hamburg; and double eagle central medallion for Lübeck, generally good very fine (3) £100-£140

The Hanseatic Cross was a decoration of the three Hanseatic Cities of Bremen, Hamburg and Lübeck, who were member states of the German Empire during the Great War. Each city-state established its own version of the cross, but the design and award criteria were similar for each. It was jointly instituted by agreement of the senates of the three cities, with each senate ratifying the award on different days. The Lübeck version was established first, on 21 August 1915; the Hamburg version on 10 September 1915; and the Bremen version on 14 September 1915. The cross was awarded for merit in war, and could be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel. When awarded for bravery or combat merit, it was the three cities’ equivalent of the Prussian Iron Cross. The Bremen version was awarded approximately 20,000 times; Hamburg, the largest of the Hanseatic cities, awarded its version approximately 50,000 times; and Lübeck, the smallest of the Hanseatic cities, awarded its version approximately 10,000 times.