WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords

Description

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords is an original period German decoration from the Second World War, officially known as the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter. This example retains its characteristic suspension ribbon and displays the naturally aged dark bronze-toned appearance associated with surviving period awards.

Instituted on 18 October 1939, the War Merit Cross was created as part of the German wartime awards system. It was issued in versions both with and without swords. The variant without swords was intended primarily to recognise military or civilian service connected with the war effort that did not involve direct combat.

WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords design

The decoration has the characteristic four-armed Maltese-style cross form with textured inner fields and raised borders. At the centre of the obverse is a circular medallion containing the period German national emblem. The reverse central medallion displays the date 1939, identifying the year in which the award was instituted.

Unlike the combat-related version, this WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords has no crossed swords positioned between its arms. This distinction is important for collectors because it identifies the non-swords class immediately and reflects the different award criteria used during the period.

The cross is accompanied by the correct style of ribbon with longitudinal red, white, black, white and red stripes. Period references describe this ribbon arrangement as the reverse colour sequence of that traditionally associated with the Iron Cross.

Original WWII German historical decoration

The surfaces of the cross show visible period wear, oxidation and patina, particularly across the recessed textured sections and central medallions. These characteristics have not been cosmetically removed and contribute to the historical appearance of the piece.

The ribbon also displays signs of age and use, including minor fraying and wear visible in the photographs. The complete medal and ribbon should therefore be considered together when assessing its condition.

The photographs show both sides of the actual decoration offered, allowing the construction, central motifs, ribbon and surface condition to be examined in detail.

Collecting the Kriegsverdienstkreuz

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords is one of the best-known German service decorations of the 1939–1945 period. Surviving examples are collected alongside Iron Crosses, Eastern Front medals, long-service decorations and other German wartime awards.

Current specialist-dealer examples provide a useful market reference. Helmut Weitze currently lists an unmarked example with ribbon at approximately €45, while a maker-marked example by Katz & Deyhle is listed at approximately €60. Other specialist examples have appeared around the €35–45 level depending on manufacturer, material and condition.

This particular example is especially attractive as a display piece because its original-style ribbon remains with the medal and the aged finish has been preserved rather than polished.

The WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Without Swords is offered as a historical collector’s item and comes with our authenticity guarantee.

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

Any political symbols visible on this historical decoration are presented solely because they form an inseparable part of the original period design. The item is offered exclusively for historical, educational and collecting purposes and does not represent endorsement of any political ideology.