WW2 GERMAN 1ST CLASS WAR MERIT WITHOUT SWORDS BY Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid

1st class War Merit Cross without swords by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. Die struck tombak construction. Medal measures 47 mm across the arms, slightly polished to face. Maker marked '4' to centre of pin, with catch to rear.

The War Merit Cross was instituted on 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.