War Merit Cross 1st Class Without Swords Marked 50

Original War Merit Cross first class without swords; constructed in silvered tombac, the obverse depicts maltese cross with a swastika in the centre, surrounded by oak leaves.  The reverse is complete with a vertical pin stamped “50” by Karl Gschiermeister of Wien (Vienna), and a barrel hinge, complete with presentation case is in good condition.

 

 

Product ID: 4793

£395.00

Out of stock

Description

War Merit Cross

The War Merit Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 18th  October 1939, and was available in two variants; with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service “not in direct connection with combat”, and without swords given to civilians for meritorious service in “furtherance of the war effort”.   Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting to the next level.