Cased 1st Class War Merit without Swords by 3

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

Here we have a beautiful early cased 1st Class War Merit Cross without Swords by Wilheim Deumer. It was awarded for meritorious service. It is constructed out of a die struck alloy 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 C catch and pin. The pin is maker marked: "3" (Wilheim Deumer, Ludenscheld). The silver wash for the most part remains. It measures approximately 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in a beautiful 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 1st class war merit cross without swords. The silver is mostly worn off. The interior top lid is lined in pearl satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made out of pressed cardboard that is covered in a black flocking and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. To the front of the case is a steel round spring loaded closure button and the back shows an oxidized steel barrel hinge. Both continue to work well! The case shows minor scuffs to the leather yet remains in superb condition! It measures approximately 2 3/4 inches wide and long by 7/8 of an inch thick. A beautiful assembly!