WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords

Description

WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords

This WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords is an attractive period-style example of the German Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter, one of the principal merit decorations instituted in Germany during the Second World War.

The medal retains the distinctive cross design, central circular medallion, period suspension system and the characteristic red, white and black ribbon associated with the Second Class War Merit Cross.

The photographs show the actual item offered.

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter

The War Merit Cross was instituted on 18 October 1939 and was designed by Professor Richard Klein. The decoration existed in several grades and in versions both with and without swords.

The without swords version was primarily associated with merit that was not directly connected with combat operations, including administrative, organisational, industrial and other contributions to the German wartime system.

The design of this WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords consists of a Maltese-style cross with textured arms and raised borders.

At the centre of one side is a circular medallion containing the swastika, surrounded by a decorative wreath-like border.

The opposite side bears the date:

1939

This date refers to the year in which the decoration was established.

Original ribbon configuration

The medal is accompanied by the distinctive ribbon used for this decoration, composed of:

• red outer sections
• narrow white stripes
• broad black central stripe
• suspension ring
• medal loop

The ribbon shows visible age and wear, including creasing, light staining and minor fraying. These details have intentionally not been concealed or digitally corrected in the photographs.

For collectors, an accompanying period-style ribbon is particularly desirable because it allows the decoration to be displayed in its complete suspended configuration.

Condition

The medal shows genuine-looking age characteristics throughout.

Visible features include:

• substantial patina
• darkened finish
• surface oxidation
• wear to raised areas
• minor scratches
• age toning around the central medallion
• wear to the suspension ring
• aged ribbon

The cross remains structurally complete and all principal design elements are clearly visible.

The central swastika remains well defined and the 1939 date on the reverse is clearly readable.

The surface finish has aged considerably, producing an appealing dark bronze-grey appearance that gives the piece strong visual character.

No attempt has been made in this listing to attribute the decoration to a particular manufacturer because no maker number is sufficiently visible on the suspension ring in the photographs supplied.

Maker-marked examples can be identified through numbers or markings stamped into the suspension ring, so a detailed macro photograph of this area would be useful for further classification.