Baden, Grand Duchy. A Silver Merit Medal Hold Stieff was captured by the

Stieff was captured by the Gestapo and tortured for information

in white and yellow rayon on green rayon base

with swords crossed between the arms

for which he was awarded the German Cross in Gold in October of the same year

Baden, Grand Duchy. A Silver Merit Medal Hold Stieff was captured by the(Silberne Verdienstmedaille). Instituted 1907 by Grand Duke Friedrich II. (1908 1918 issue). Constructed of silvered zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a leftward facing profile of Grand Duke Friedrich II, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central inscription of FR VERDIENST (FOR MERIT) within an oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 38. 42 mm in diameter, in near very fine condition.