German Empire, Württemberg - Cased Charlotte Cross

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German Empire, Kingdom of Württemberg, WWI - Charlottenkreuz mit Etui. Instituted January 5, 1916, by King Wilhelm II in honor of Queen Charlotte (born Princess of the House of Schaumburg-Lippe). It was awarded to persons, regardless of status, who had rendered outstanding service to the wounded or sick in the care of the wounded or had distinguished themselves through other services that served the war. It is constructed out of a die stamped three-piece, nickel silver base that has been soldered together and silver washed. The obverse features a Trefoil Shamrock Cross with a centrally placed roundel reading: “CW” monogram (interconnecting King Wilhelm II and Queen Charlotte) / “1916” (reverse). To the top is an integral suspension hole, loop and ring which holds approximately 6 inches of yellow and black rayon ribbon that has been stitched together at the top. The cross measures 1 5/6 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its issue case. The case is constructed out of a card stock base that has been covered to the exterior in a faux maroon leatherette. The interior is lined in a black lacquered paper with a felt covered insert for the cross. The top features a pressed silver foil Württemberg coat of arms emblem. The hinge is torn, the edges are tarnished and overall show material fatigue. The case measures 2 3/8 inches wide by 4 inches deep by 9/16 of an inch thick. A fine example!