Kriegsverdienstkreuz mit Schwertern – Original German War Merit Cross 2nd Class 1939

Description

This original Kriegsverdienstkreuz mit Schwertern is the German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, instituted in 1939. It shows the bronze-toned cross with crossed swords, a well-defined central wreath and the 1939 date on the reverse, and it comes with the black, white and red ribbon of the second class.

What is the Kriegsverdienstkreuz?

The War Merit Cross was instituted in October 1939 to recognise wartime merit that fell outside the criteria for the Iron Cross. It was created in a 2nd and a 1st Class, each of which could be awarded with or without swords. In August 1940 the system was extended with a Knight’s Cross grade and, below the crosses, the circular Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 (INS92).

What do the swords mean?

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, by both soldiers and civilians. The swords version is therefore not a gallantry award in the sense of the Iron Cross, and describing it simply as a “bravery medal” oversimplifies it.

How is INS93 identified?

The 2nd Class is a bronze-coloured cross with four broad arms whose ends are notched, giving the characteristic eight-pointed outline. Two crossed swords pass diagonally between the arms. The obverse centre carries the period state emblem within an oak-leaf wreath; on the reverse, the same wreath surrounds the date 1939, the year the decoration was instituted. The arms have a finely textured field within smooth raised borders, and on INS93 this contrast remains crisp.

The ribbon has a broad black centre with white inner and red outer edge stripes. Unlike the ribbon of the Kriegsverdienstmedaille, it has no thin red stripe through the black field.

No maker mark is visible on INS93. Many firms produced this cross and unmarked examples are common, so I catalogue it as unmarked. I do not assign a specific alloy without physical testing.

For direct comparison, see the War Merit Cross 2nd Class without swords (INS33), and for a wider overview, our WWII German Medals collector’s guide.

Why collect it?

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class was awarded in large numbers and is not rare in standard form. A clean, well-struck example with swords and its ribbon is an accessible and representative piece, and it pairs naturally with the version without swords and the War Merit Medal to show the whole award system. Maker-marked crosses, original issue packets and award documents carry a premium.

Collector’s Note

When identifying a Kriegsverdienstkreuz, look first for the swords and then at the ribbon. A Kriegsverdienstkreuz with swords, like this one, shows the two blades between the arms; the ribbon of the 2nd Class Kriegsverdienstkreuz has no central red stripe, which separates it at once from the War Merit Medal. On this Kriegsverdienstkreuz both points are clear.

Condition

Very good used condition for its age:

• Attractive bronze-toned finish with even age patina.
• Textured arm surfaces and raised borders sharp.
• Crossed swords and central wreath well defined.
• Obverse emblem and 1939 reverse crisp.
• Suspension ring complete.
• Full-length ribbon with strong colour.
• Minor handling wear; no 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

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

Was the cross with swords a bravery award?
Not in the sense of the Iron Cross. The swords indicated merit in a military context, often under enemy action.

Is INS93 maker marked?
No maker mark is visible, which is common for this decoration.

Is it rare?
No. Standard 2nd Class examples were awarded in large numbers.

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, 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.