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

Description

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

This original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords is a genuine period example of the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter, one of the most recognizable German merit decorations instituted during the Second World War.

The decoration was established in 1939 and was intended to recognize meritorious service connected with the German war effort. Unlike the Kriegsverdienstkreuz mit Schwertern, or War Merit Cross with Swords, the ohne Schwerter version was primarily associated with merit that was not directly connected with combat operations.

INS31 is an attractive original example retaining the characteristic bronze-toned appearance of the Second Class decoration together with its red, white and black suspension ribbon.

The medal has the distinctive four-armed cross form associated with the Kriegsverdienstkreuz. Each arm incorporates a finely textured field surrounded by a raised border, creating the detailed geometric appearance typical of wartime German medal manufacture.

At the centre of the obverse is a circular wreath surrounding the period swastika emblem. The reverse repeats the basic cross construction but replaces the central emblem with the raised date:

1939

This date refers to the year in which the War Merit Cross was instituted and is one of the principal identifying elements of the decoration.

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter

The full German designation of this decoration is Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter, literally “War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords.”

The distinction between the versions with and without swords is important for collectors.

The crossed-swords version was associated with merit connected more directly with military operations, while the version without swords could recognize important civilian, administrative, industrial or other non-combat contributions to the German wartime structure.

As a result, the War Merit Cross without Swords represents a different aspect of German WWII history from combat awards such as the Iron Cross.

It documents the extensive administrative and civilian infrastructure required to sustain a country at war and is therefore collected not only as a military decoration but also as an artifact connected with German social, industrial and administrative history during the Second World War.

Original WWII Ribbon

A particularly attractive feature of INS31 is the accompanying suspension ribbon.

The ribbon displays the characteristic color arrangement associated with the War Merit Cross:

red outer stripes, narrow light-colored stripes and a broad black central section.

The ribbon is of substantial length and allows the medal to be displayed in its historically recognizable configuration.

The textile displays normal folds and minor signs of handling consistent with an older ribbon. These signs of age have been left intact rather than artificially restored.

Condition and Original Appearance

The cross retains an appealing bronze-toned surface with natural age-related patination.

The finely stippled texture within the arms remains clearly visible, while the raised outer borders retain good definition.

The central wreath and swastika on the obverse remain well defined.

On the reverse, the raised “1939” date is particularly clear and provides an excellent visual identifying feature.

There are normal variations in surface tone, small areas of wear and patination resulting from age and handling. These characteristics are visible in the detailed photographs and contribute to the historical appearance of the medal.

No aggressive polishing or restoration is apparent from the supplied photographs.

The suspension loop and ring remain present and the medal continues to hang correctly from the accompanying ribbon.

No clearly identifiable manufacturer number or maker mark is visible in the photographs. For this reason, no speculative attribution to a particular wartime manufacturer is made.

Historical and Collector Interest

Original examples of the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse are an established collecting category within WWII German militaria.

Collectors frequently distinguish between examples with swords and without swords, different manufacturers, surface finishes, ribbon configurations, presentation packets and documented groups.

An example such as INS31 is particularly suitable for a collection focused on:

German WWII medals and decorations, Kriegsverdienstkreuz variants, War Merit Cross collecting, German home-front awards, Third Reich historical artifacts, WWII medal displays and original European militaria.

Because the medal retains its ribbon and presents clearly recognizable obverse and reverse details, it also offers an excellent representative example for educational or comparative displays.

Authenticity

INS31 is sold as an original period German War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords.

Authenticity is guaranteed by Autographs & Militaria according to the cataloguing provided.

The photographs show the actual item offered and form an integral part of the description. Collectors should examine the detailed images to assess surface condition, patina, ribbon wear and the individual characteristics of the medal.

Historical Context Notice

This object is offered exclusively as an authentic historical collectible for preservation, research and study of twentieth-century history.

The presence of National Socialist symbols is intrinsic to the historical object and does not represent support, promotion or sympathy for National Socialism, totalitarianism or any related ideology.