WW2 German War Merit Cross With Swords 2nd Class & Ribbon By W. Hobachter
SKU: 945
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Förster & Barth of Pforzheim, Germany
Manufacturer Year: 1939
Size / Dimensions: Approximately 48 mm x 48 mm
Materials / Construction: Tombak / Bronze alloy with gol-toned finish
Markings: 10
Condition: Excellent
Price: $195.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: RD60
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
Offered here is an original WWII German War Merit Cross with Swords, 2nd Class (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern), complete with its original-style red, white, and black ribbon. This example was manufactured by Förster & Barth of Pforzheim, Germany, a recognized period producer of German decorations and awards.
Historical Background
The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was instituted on September 1, 1939 and was awarded during the Second World War for meritorious service contributing to the German war effort. The decoration was produced in several grades and in versions with and without swords.
The 2nd Class with Swords was awarded for meritorious service connected with military operations where the recipient's contribution involved circumstances associated with the war effort beyond purely civilian service. The crossed swords distinguish this version from the War Merit Cross without Swords.
Construction & Design
The medal features the characteristic Maltese-style cross with pebbled fields and raised borders, superimposed over a pair of crossed swords. The obverse incorporates the central wreath and swastika motif typical of the period decoration, while the reverse displays the date “1939” within a central wreath.
The suspension ring accommodates the accompanying red ribbon with white and black vertical stripes, the regulation color arrangement associated with the War Merit Cross.
This example is attributed to Förster & Barth, Pforzheim, a German firm active in the manufacture of medals, badges, and other insignia during the Third Reich period.
Collector Significance
Original War Merit Crosses remain representative examples of the extensive German military awards system of WWII. Maker-attributed specimens are particularly interesting to collectors because differences in dies, construction, finishing, suspension hardware, and maker markings can help identify individual manufacturers and production variations.
Specifications:
- Country: Germany
- Period: World War II / Third Reich
- Award: Kriegsverdienstkreuz
- Grade: War Merit Cross 2nd Class
- Type: With Swords
- Date: 1939–1945
- Manufacturer: Förster & Barth
- Location: Pforzheim, Germany
- Ribbon: Included
- Condition: Excellent
Condition
This original WWII German War Merit Cross with Swords 2nd Class is in excellent condition, displaying an attractive degree of period preservation. The raised details of the cross, wreath, swords, and central designs remain well defined, while the accompanying ribbon presents very nicely.
Any minor age-related toning, finish loss, or wear should be regarded as consistent with an authentic period decoration of this age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they provide the best representation of the exact condition, markings, finish, and ribbon included with this example.
A desirable original Förster & Barth manufactured War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, well suited for an advanced collection of WWII German medals, decorations, uniforms, or military memorabilia.
