Cased 1st Class War Merit Cross with Swords by 15

German WWII > Awards and Medals > War Merit Series > 2nd Class War Merit

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne Schwerter im Etui by 15 - Friedrich Orth of Wein. The 1st Class War Merit Cross without Swords was awarded for meritorious service behind the lines. It 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. The full back reverse shows a nickel-silver soldered on block hinge, soldered on round wire catch and coke bottle pin. The pin is maker marked: “15”. The silver wash looks beautiful and it retains crisp detail! It measures 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its appropriate case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained, black leather (Lederimitat). The very top features a bordered impressed silvered foil 1st class war merit cross without swords. The interior top lid is lined in pearl velvet and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made out of pressed cardboard that is covered in a spray on black fibrous felt material and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The round steel plated spring loaded press button continues to work well. The steel piano hinge (minor oxidization) continues to work well. The reverse leaver covering of the hinge has torn through. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches wide and long by 7/8 of an inch thick. A great assembly!