WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords

Description

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords is an original-style German military decoration from the Second World War, officially known as the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939 2. Klasse mit Schwertern. This example is accompanied by its distinctive red, white and black suspension ribbon and retains an attractive bronze-toned finish with visible age and patina.

Instituted on 18 October 1939, the Kriegsverdienstkreuz formed part of the German wartime system of decorations. The War Merit Cross was produced in versions both with and without swords, allowing a distinction between different types of wartime merit. The crossed swords identified awards associated with military merit or service under circumstances involving greater danger.

WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords design

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords uses the characteristic four-armed cross design with textured fields surrounded by raised borders. Between the arms are two crossed swords, one of the defining visual features separating this version from the Kriegsverdienstkreuz ohne Schwerter.

The central circular medallion on the obverse displays the period German national emblem surrounded by a raised decorative border. On the reverse, the same central area carries the date 1939, corresponding to the year in which the decoration was instituted.

The cross is suspended from a period-style ribbon featuring longitudinal red, white, black, white and red stripes. The photographs show both sides of the actual decoration as well as a detailed view held in a collector’s glove.

Original WWII German military decoration

The medal displays an aged bronze-toned surface with wear and patination visible across the high points, recessed areas and textured fields. These characteristics give the piece the appearance expected of a historical decoration that has survived for several decades rather than a newly finished object.

The crossed swords remain well defined, as do the textured fields of the cross and the central motifs. The suspension loop and ribbon remain present, making this a particularly attractive complete presentation for display.

The ribbon itself shows visible age and minor wear along its edges. Such details have been intentionally left visible in the photographs because condition is an important part of evaluating historical militaria.

No manufacturer attribution should be made from the supplied photographs because a maker code or identifying mark on the suspension ring cannot be confirmed.

Collecting the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords is one of the most recognisable German service decorations of the 1939–1945 period. It is frequently collected alongside Iron Crosses, Eastern Front medals, Wehrmacht long-service awards and other period German military decorations.

Comparable original examples with ribbon currently appear around the €65–70 range through specialist militaria dealers. Lomax Militaria lists an original example with ribbon at €69, while Ratisbon’s records a 2025 sale of an example with award packet at €70. Manufacturer, material, retained finish and accompanying paperwork can substantially alter the value.

This example is particularly suitable for a German WWII medal or militaria collection because it retains its suspension ribbon and displays strong visual detail across both the cross and crossed swords.

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords is offered as a historical collector’s item with our authenticity guarantee.

All photographs show the actual item being offered and form an integral part of its description and condition assessment.

Any political symbols visible on this historical decoration are presented solely as inseparable elements of the original period design. This object is offered exclusively for historical, educational and collecting purposes and does not represent endorsement of any political ideology.