Original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords 1939

Description

Original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords

This original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords is an example of the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939, 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter, one of the principal German wartime merit decorations introduced during the Second World War.

The decoration has the characteristic eight-pointed cross form, with finely textured inner fields surrounded by smooth raised borders. At the centre of the obverse is a swastika enclosed within a raised oak-leaf wreath, while the reverse replaces the central emblem with the date 1939.

The absence of crossed swords is the key feature identifying this particular version.

Kriegsverdienstkreuz Without Swords

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz was instituted on 18 October 1939 and existed in variants both with and without swords. The Second Class was the ribbon-suspended grade, while the First Class was worn directly on the uniform.

The version without swords was intended for recognised wartime merit that did not involve direct combat or enemy action. Recipients could include people working in administration, industry, transport, medical services and other areas considered important to the wartime state, as well as military personnel serving in non-combat functions.

Archival records preserved by the German Bundesarchiv contain entire files of proposals and awards for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter, demonstrating how extensively this decoration was integrated into the wartime German award system.

Design of INS17

INS17 displays the standard design associated with this award.

The obverse consists of a bronze-toned eight-point cross with pebble-textured fields and raised smooth edging. A circular oak-leaf wreath occupies the centre, enclosing the swastika.

The reverse repeats the same cross and wreath arrangement but replaces the central emblem with the date:

1939

The cross shows no swords positioned between the arms, confirming its classification as the ohne Schwerter version rather than the military-related mit Schwertern variant.

The German cultural heritage portal Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek records an original wartime example of the same award dating from 1939–1945 and describes it as a metal cross with a central swastika, 1939 on the reverse and an accompanying black-white-red ribbon.

Ribbon

The decoration is accompanied by the characteristic War Merit Cross ribbon.

Its colour sequence is:

red – white – black – white – red

Specialist references document this as the standard ribbon pattern of the Second Class.

On INS17, a substantial length of ribbon survives. It is currently configured with a metal pin or safety-pin type fastening.

Because the exact history of that mounting arrangement cannot be established from photographs alone, the safest description is that the medal retains or is accompanied by the appropriate patterned ribbon, without claiming that the present fastening configuration was necessarily its original wartime mounting.

Construction and Manufacturer

The visible cross has an attractive bronze-toned finish with good preservation of the granular fields and smooth raised borders.

Kriegsverdienstkreuze were manufactured in more than one material during the war. Surviving specialist examples include both Buntmetall/base-metal early types and fine-zinc versions, with the precise material often affecting collector interest and preservation.

From photographs alone, I would not attribute a precise alloy to INS17.

Likewise, no manufacturer is currently attributed.

Manufacturer codes are frequently found on the suspension ring. Current examples include a ring marked “60” attributed to Katz & Deyhle, Pforzheim, and “36” for Bury & Leonhard, Hanau.

A macro photograph of the suspension ring would therefore be worthwhile before the final product record is closed.

Historical Significance

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz is particularly useful as a historical object because it illustrates the breadth of the German wartime decoration system beyond frontline combat awards.

Whereas the Iron Cross was associated with military combat merit, the War Merit Cross created a separate hierarchy through which the regime could recognise service connected to administration, production, logistics and other elements of wartime mobilisation.

The distinction between the swords and non-swords variants reflected this division directly in the physical appearance of the award.

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter consequently represents an especially relevant object for collections focused not only on German military decorations, but also on the civilian and administrative history of the Second World War.

Collector’s Interest

For collectors, INS17 offers several attractive characteristics:

• clearly identifiable ohne Schwerter configuration;
• strong bronze-toned appearance;
• clearly visible swastika and 1939 reverse;
• well-preserved granular fields;
• accompanying correct-pattern ribbon;
• complete suspension ring.

CONDITION

The cross presents in attractive used condition with a strong bronze-toned appearance.

The granular fields of all four arms remain well defined, as do the smooth borders and central oak-leaf wreath.

The obverse swastika remains clearly visible and the reverse date 1939 is sharp and fully legible.

There is natural age-related toning and darker patination within some recessed areas.

The accompanying ribbon retains strong red, white and black coloration, with some handling wear, folding and minor age toning visible.

A metal fastening pin is attached to the longer ribbon section.

No aggressive cleaning or restoration is claimed.

Photographs form an integral part of the condition description.

AUTHENTICITY

Authenticity guaranteed by Autographs & Militaria.

The design, proportions, central medallions, surface configuration and ribbon pattern are consistent with documented period examples of the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter.

No specific manufacturer or recipient is attributed without additional evidence.

HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY NOTICE

This original historical object is offered exclusively for historical, documentary, educational, research and collecting purposes.

Autographs & Militaria does not support, promote or express sympathy for National Socialism, the Nazi regime or any totalitarian ideology represented by the symbols appearing on this historical material.