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

Description

German War Merit Cross 2nd Class: Overview

A War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords with a substantial length of ribbon. The cross keeps an appealing bronze-toned surface with natural patina, and the raised “1939” on the reverse is particularly clear.

Historical Context

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz (War Merit Cross) was instituted on 18 October 1939. The 2nd Class was suspended from a ribbon and existed with and without swords. The version without swords recognised merit not involving direct combat or enemy action: work in administration, industry, transport, medical services and other areas of the war effort, as well as non-combat military service. It therefore documents the home front and the administrative side of the war rather than the battlefield.

German War Merit Cross 2nd Class: Description

• Type: Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter (War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords)
• Obverse: textured cross arms with raised smooth borders, central emblem within a circular oak-leaf wreath; no swords
• Reverse: date 1939
• Ribbon: red–white–black–white–red; substantial length, normal folds and minor handling wear; suspension loop and ring present
• Maker mark: none identified, so no maker attribution is made
• Inventory code: INS31

Condition

Bronze-toned surface with natural patina; stippled fields, borders, wreath and central emblem well defined. Normal variations in tone and small areas of wear. No aggressive polishing or restoration is apparent. The photographs show the actual piece and form part of the description.

Provenance

No further provenance is recorded.

Authenticity

Offered as an original period decoration on the basis of design, proportions, strike, finish, wear and ribbon, which are consistent with documented examples. Without a maker mark, the assessment rests on these features together rather than on any single one. The base metal is not stated, as it cannot be established without physical testing.

Further Reading

Before buying, read my Complete Collector’s Guide to WWII German Medals, which covers identification, makers, condition and reproductions.

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum: “Ehrenzeichen”, on the history of German decorations.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this item is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.