Cased 1st Class War Merit Cross without Swords by 4

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

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne Schwertern im Etui by 4 - Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid. Instituted October 18, 1939, 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 fullback reverse features; a soldered-on block hinge, a soldered-on rectangular wire catch and a coke bottle pin marked “4”. The silver wash and patina are gorgeous. It measures 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained, black leatherette. The very top features an impressed silver foil 1st class war merit cross without swords. The interior top lid is lined in pearl satin. The bottom interior of the case is made out of pressed cardboard that is covered in a black fibrous felt material and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. To the front of the case is round spring-loaded closure button and the back shows a steel staggered barrel hinge. Both continue to work well. It measures 2 3/4 inches wide and deep by 3/4 of an inch thick.