Original WW2 German War Merit Cross With Swords 1st Class By Deschler & Sohn in Munich
SKU: 791
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Deschler & Sohn, Munich
Manufacturer Year: 1939
Size / Dimensions: Approximate size: 48 mm x 48 mm
Weight: approx. 20–25 grams (varies slightly depending on production run)
Materials / Construction: Tombak / Bronze alloy with silver-toned finish
Condition: Excellent
Price: $195.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: EM100
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an authentic WW2 German War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords. This is one of the Third Reich’s most recognized wartime decorations for the meritorious. The War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords was awarded to military personnel and certain civilians of all ranks and positions for outstanding service and achievement that significantly contributed to the war effort. This award was worn by the recipient as a pin on the left side of the uniform. Most recipients of the War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords were already wearing the 2nd Class award for meritorious service prior to being awarded the 1st Class award. Made from tombak (a bronze alloy) and finished in silver-toned tombak this World War II German War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords has been very well made by Munich’s renowned makers, Deschler & Sohn. The Maltese cross award for wartime merit performed while fighting has crossed swords between the arms of the cross. The wreath in the center of the award is intricately detailed and the tips of the swords are very sharp. The badge has aged very well with a fantastic patina for an item of this age. The reverse features the Deschler-style hardware typical for early-war awarded pins, including the hinge, pin and catch. All of which function perfectly. Minor wear to the reverse including some scratching of the finish on the obverse and/or reverse over the decades the award was preserved is the only fault to an otherwise absolutely flawless War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords awarded by Deschler & Sohn in Munich during the early-war period. This is a rare award to find in this condition with such detail and featuring the award in the tombak (bronze alloy) that was typical for early-war examples prior to the massive switch to zinc production. The War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords was awarded to military personnel as well as certain civil servants below ministerial rank who had performed an outstanding service in war for the state or the military in a field other than that of direct combat. Usually such persons were first awarded the 2nd Class with Swords, before being promoted to the 1st Class version of the War Merit Cross in the form of a pin-back badge.
Specifications
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Period: World War II (1939–1945)
• Manufacturer: Deschler & Sohn, Munich
• Award Type: War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) 1st Class with Swords
• Material: Tombak / Bronze Alloy
• Finish: Silver-toned finish
• Attachment: Vertical pin-back fastening system
• Dimensions: Approximately 48 mm x 48 mm
Condition
Excellent original condition with sharp detail and attractive patina. An outstanding original War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords, produced by the famous Munich maker Deschler & Sohn. The WW2 decoration is made from tombak / bronze alloy, featuring the silver-toned finish, has excellent sharp details and very nice patina. An outstanding collector’s piece for advanced World War II German awards collections.
