Cased 1st Class War Merit with Swords by 1

German WWII > Awards and Medals > War Merit Series > 1st Class War Merit

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern im Etui by Deschler & Sohn of München. The 1st Class War Merit Cross with Swords was awarded to military personnel for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty (which needed not occur while facing the enemy). The award is constructed out of a die struck nickel-silver base that has been silver washed. The obverse depicts a centrally placed mobile swastika that is surrounded by an oak leaf wreath, which is tied together at the top and bottom, and is above a pebbled Maltese style cross that has two crossed broad swords coming out of its corners. The full back reverse is maker marked on the pin: “1” (Deschler & Sohn, München). It also has a soldered on flat wire catch, soldered on block hinge and a coke pin. It measures approximately 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained, black leather. The very top features an impressed grey/silvered foil 1st class war merit cross without swords. The interior top lid is lined in white velvet and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made out of pressed cardboard that is covered in a black spay on fibrous felt material and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. Only minimal wear to both the case and award. The case measures approximately 2 3/4 inches wide and long by 7/8 of an inch thick. A beautiful assembly!