WW2 War Merit Cross With Swords 2nd Class & Sudetenland Occupation Oktoberfest 1938 Metal and Ribbon
SKU: 678
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer:
Manufacturer Year: 1939
Size / Dimensions: Width: 2.75 – 3 inches (70–75 mm), Height (including medals): 3.5 – 4 inches (90–100 mm)
Materials / Construction: Bronze medal, felt backing,
Condition: Excellent
Price: $250.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: EM100
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Original WW2 German Parade Mounted Medal Bar featuring two historically significant Third Reich campaign and service awards: the War Merit Cross with Swords 2nd Class and the Sudetenland Occupation Medal (October 1st, 1938). These awards are professionally parade-mounted on a traditional German medal bar with period ribbon backing, intended for wear on the dress uniform of Wehrmacht or government personnel.
This attractive two-place medal bar represents a soldier or official who participated in the early territorial expansion of Germany during the pre-war annexations and later contributed to the war effort during World War II. Medal bars such as this were commonly worn on parade tunics, service uniforms, and formal dress attire.
War Merit Cross with Swords – 2nd Class (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern)
Instituted on 18 October 1939, the War Merit Cross was awarded to military personnel for exceptional service to the war effort outside of direct combat. The addition of crossed swords indicates the recipient served under conditions involving enemy influence or danger.
Features include:
- Bronze cross with pebbled surface arms
- Central wreathed swastika on the obverse
- Suspended from the correct red, white, and black striped ribbon
- Awarded to soldiers and officers for distinguished service supporting military operations
This decoration became one of the most widely awarded wartime decorations of the Third Reich.
Sudetenland Occupation Medal (Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938)
The Sudetenland Medal commemorates the peaceful annexation of the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement. Instituted on 18 October 1938, it was awarded to military and civilian personnel involved in the occupation of the territory.
Key details include:
- Bronze medal featuring a German eagle standing on a barrier with a broken chain
- Reverse inscription commemorating the 1 October 1938 occupation
- Suspended from the distinctive black ribbon with red edges and central white stripe
Recipients included members of the Wehrmacht, SS, political officials, and civil authorities who participated in or supported the annexation.
Parade Mounted Medal Bar Construction
- Traditional two-place German medal bar
- Period correct ribbon backing and stitching
- Metal suspension mount with rear pin assembly
- Medals firmly attached in classic German parade style
- Designed to be worn on the left breast of a uniform tunic
Condition
This original medal bar remains in very good to excellent condition, showing honest period wear consistent with age. The ribbons retain strong color and the medals display attractive patina, making it an excellent display piece for collectors of WW2 German militaria, medal bars, and Third Reich decorations.
Approximate Size
- Width: 2.75 – 3 inches (70–75 mm)
- Height (including medals): 3.5 – 4 inches (90–100 mm)
Historical Significance
Two-place medal bars like this provide a glimpse into the career progression of German personnel during the early expansion period and the Second World War. The combination of the Sudetenland Occupation Medal and War Merit Cross with Swords often indicates a recipient who first participated in pre-war annexations and later served in wartime support roles under combat conditions.
A classic and historically significant WW2 German medal bar — ideal for collectors, historians, and museum-quality displays focusing on Wehrmacht and Third Reich awards.
