Cased 1st Class War Merit Cross with Swords by 62

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

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern im Etui by 62 - Kerbach & Oesterhelt of Dresden. 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 has a stamped catch, a stamped hinge and fluted coke bottle pin that is maker marked to the underside: “62”. 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 pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leatherette. 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 black leather hinge has torn through as most of these are. It measures 2 11/16 inches wide and long by 3/4 of an inch thick. A nice assembly.