Description
Product Description: This Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross w/ Swords is a great example of this high level service award that is missing from most collections. This one was made by the firm of Deschler in Munich, and is textbook in all aspects. The high-quality cross is made of “900” silver. It shows the original surface, with a pleasant mild patina throughout and original factory burnishing evident to the high relief areas. All of the original detail on this award is intact, including the correct die flaws that are present on the reverse side- the first flaw in the lower right corner of the 6 o’clock arm, and the second flaw on the date between the first numeral “9” and the numeral “3,” indicating a mid-production piece. The original suspension loop is intact and without damage. The edge of the bottom arm of the cross is maker marked with the PKZ number “1” for the firm of Deschler, as well as “900” for the silver content. This attractive Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross is complete with a full length correct red, white and black presentation ribbon with ties. The ribbon has a few small dark stains, and normal toning to the white fibers, but is complete, with no holes or fraying. This nice looking cross remains in excellent condition.
Historical Description:The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was amongst the most awarded WWII German decorations during the war. In 1939, when Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross, the non-combatant version that had existed in previous wars was not reintroduced. To replace this award and expand the need to recognize acts of valor not military related, the War Merit Cross was introduced on October 18, 1939. The cross existed in the same grades as the Iron Cross, the War Merit Cross 1st Class, War Merit Cross 2nd Class, and Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross. The 2nd Class award was suspended from a ribbon and coated with a bronze finish. The War Merit Cross 1st Class was a pin backed award, with a silver finish. The Knight’s Cross version was worn on a ribbon around the bearer’s neck. The crosses were further differentiated into two classes: those with swords, and those without swords. The award with swords was for meritorious service in the face of the enemy and could be awarded to soldiers to recognize achievements, that did not merit award of an Iron Cross, as well as to civilians who fought fires during Allied air raids. The award without swords was for furthering the war effort and could also be awarded to soldiers or civilians. Millions were eligible for these crosses, from members of the armed services to personnel of the Reichsbahn, the Luftschutz, border guards and customs agents and members of the other various political and paramilitary Third Reich organizations. Some front line soldiers used a sort of military humor to mock the War Merit Cross as a “behind the lines” or a “participation trophy”. But many recipients of these crosses wore them with pride.
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