Cased 1st Class War Merit Cross by L15

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

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern im Etui by L15 - Friedrich Orth of Wien. Instituted October 18, 1939, the 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). The award is constructed out of a die struck zinc-alloy base that has been silver washed and lacquered. 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 that has two crossed broad swords coming out of its corners. The fullback reverse is maker marked on the nickel-silver coke bottle pin: “L15”. It also has a soldered-on oval plate block hinge and soldered-on oval plate C-shaped catch. It measures 1 15/16 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its original issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained black leather covering. The very top features a pressed silver foil 1st class war merit cross with swords. The interior top lid is lined in pearl satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made of a pressed cardboard base, that is covered in a spray on black fibrous felt covering, and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. It is also bordered in a white cardboard. The reverse leatherette hinge has broken through. It measures 2 5/8 inches wide and long by 3/4 of an inch thick. A nice assembly.