Cased Knights Cross War Merit Cross with Swords by 1

German WWII > Awards and Medals > War Merit Series > Knight's Cross

A Cased Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuzes mit Schwertern by 1 - Deschler & Sohn of München. Instituted August 19th 1940, the Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords was awarded for outstanding merit of decisive consequence for the conduct of the war. Awarding of the cross was reserved to Adolf Hitler personally. Award proposals were made by the highest authorities and commander in chief of the Wehrmacht. It is constructed out of a die struck “900” silver base. The obverse features a pebbled Maltese style cross and a wreathed swastika / “1939” (reverse) to the center. To the top is an integral lined arch, ring and lined loop which holds approximately 37 ½ inches of black, white and red confectioned fitted rayon ribbon. The award measures 2 1/16 inches wide. Nice silver patina. The award comes housed in its correct Deschler style case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained blue leather (Lederimitat). To the front is a gilded steel ornate closure clasp. To the back are two gilded steel, staggered, piano hinges. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a black fibrous felt material (minor wear from the award) that outlines the cross and a place for the ribbon. The interior top is constructed out of a silk material (lightly soiled) and has an underlying pad. It shows little scuffs throughout. The case measures approximately 5 ½ inches wide, 7 inches long and 1 1/16 inches thick. These are very rare (especially with the case) with 267 known awardees. These have become quite desirable with D. Maerz’s & G. Stimson’s new reference book.