WW2 GERMAN WAR MERIT CROSS 1ST CLASS WITH SWORDS

Cross is an early war die struck alloy award is in the form of a Maltese style cross with a circular centerpiece with an embossed, canted, swastika encircled by an oak-leaf wreath to the obverse. The swords, indicating bravery, emanated upwards between the arms of the cross. The background field of the obverse centerpiece is smooth while the arms of the cross have a pebbled background field with raised, smooth, outer edges. Pin and catch to rear, non marked, but retaining the vast majority of the original silver frosting to Tombak base. A very nice conditioned piece.

The War Merit Cross was instituted 18th October 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signified bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. Of Note: The War Merit cross series of awards was expanded on 19th August 1940, to include a Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross for award to personnel who had provided a substantial contribution to the war effort and the War Merit Medal for award to German nationals and foreign civilians who provided exceptional service to the war effort.