Aged Bronze Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern – Original German War Merit Cross 1939

Description

This original Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern is the German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, instituted in 1939. It has a warm, naturally aged bronze patina, complete crossed swords, a clearly defined central wreath and a sharp 1939 reverse, and it comes with its black, white and red ribbon.

What is the Kriegsverdienstkreuz with swords?

The War Merit Cross was instituted in October 1939 to recognise wartime merit outside the criteria for the Iron Cross, in a 2nd and a 1st Class, each with or without swords. The swords marked merit in a military context, typically service under enemy action or in the military conduct of the war; the version without swords recognised other services in support of the war effort. It is a separate award from the Iron Cross, and calling the swords version simply a “bravery medal” oversimplifies it.

In August 1940 the system was extended with a Knight’s Cross grade and the lower-ranking circular Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 (INS92).

How is INS96 identified?

The 2nd Class is a bronze-coloured cross with four broad, notched arms forming an eight-pointed outline, each arm with a textured field inside a smooth raised border. Two crossed swords pass diagonally between the arms. The obverse centre carries the period state emblem within an oak-leaf wreath; the reverse centre carries the date 1939, the year of institution.

The ribbon follows the correct pattern for the second class: a broad black centre with white inner and red outer stripes. No maker mark is visible on INS96, which is common for this decoration. Its appearance is consistent with the bronzed non-ferrous crosses of the type, though I do not assign a specific alloy without physical testing.

How does it compare with the other War Merit Crosses here?

INS96 and INS93 are the same grade, but INS96 has a darker, more visibly aged bronze patina and a more faded ribbon, while INS93 is brighter and cleaner. The War Merit Cross without swords (INS94) lacks the swords and has a grey surface consistent with probable zinc construction. For a wider overview, see our WWII German Medals collector’s guide.

Why collect it?

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords is a well-known and widely awarded decoration, so standard examples are not rare. INS96 will suit a collector who prefers an honest example showing genuine period ageing and patina rather than a near-mint appearance.

Condition

Good to very good used condition:

• Warm aged bronze tone with natural patina.
• Textured fields and raised borders well preserved.
• Crossed swords complete; central wreath clearly visible.
• 1939 reverse sharply readable.
• Suspension ring present.
• Ribbon retained; the red outer stripes have faded with age to a muted reddish-orange, with minor fraying and handling wear.
• No major bends or structural damage visible.

Supplied as the cross and ribbon only: no issue packet or award document. All photographs show the actual piece offered and form part of this condition description.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the ribbon edges look orange?
The outer stripes are red; on INS96 they have faded with age.

Is it an Iron Cross?
No. The War Merit Cross and the Iron Cross were separate awards with different criteria.

What does 1939 on the reverse mean?
It is the year the War Merit Cross was instituted.

Is INS96 maker marked?
No maker mark is visible.

Historical Responsibility Notice

This item is offered exclusively as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. Period political symbolism is visible because it forms an integral part of the original design. Autographs & Militaria does not endorse or glorify the ideology or political system it represents.

References & Further Reading

• Australian War Memorial, Nazi War Merit Cross, Second Class (RELAWM30354) – bronze construction, 1939 reverse, ribbon and the meaning of the swords.
• John R. Angolia, For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich (R. James Bender Publishing, 1987) – institution, grades and ribbons of the War Merit Cross.