Cased 1st Class War Merit Cross by 62

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

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern im Etui by 62 - Kerbach & Oesterhelt of Dresden. 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). It is constructed out of a die struck zinc-alloy base that has been silver washed. The obverse depicts a pebbled Maltese style cross with a wreathed swastika to the center. The full back reverse features an intregral stamped hinge and catch along with a nickel-silver coke bottle pin that is marked to the underside “62”. The silver wash has been absorbed by the zinc. It measures 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in a KVK tagged issue case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated black grained faux leather. The interior lid is lined in white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in black flocking that outlines the pin hinge and catch assembly. The base features a glued-on stamp that is marked “KVK I 4.25”. It looks as though there is some leather repair work done to the case. The case measures 2 3/4 inches tall and deep and 3/4 of an inch thick. A solid assembly!