Kriegsverdienstkreuz ohne Schwerter – Original German War Merit Cross 2nd Class 1939, Probable Zinc

Description

This original Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter is the German War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords, instituted in 1939. Its predominantly dark grey surface is consistent with a zinc (Feinzink) cross that has lost most of its original bronzed finish with age, while the relief, textured fields and 1939 reverse remain clearly defined. It comes with its black, white and red ribbon.

What is the Kriegsverdienstkreuz without 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 version without swords recognised service in support of the war effort away from the military context denoted by the swords, and it was conferred on both soldiers and civilians in administration, transport, technical work, production and other support roles.

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

How is it identified?

The 2nd Class is a cross with four broad, notched arms forming an eight-pointed outline, each arm with a textured field inside a raised border. The obverse centre carries the period state emblem within an oak-leaf wreath; the reverse centre carries the date 1939, the year of institution. Unlike the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (INS93), there are no crossed swords between the arms.

The ribbon has a broad black centre with white inner and red outer edge stripes, without the thin red centre stripe used on the Kriegsverdienstmedaille ribbon.

No maker mark is visible on INS94, which is common for this decoration.

Why is this cross grey rather than bronze?

War Merit Crosses were produced in bronzed non-ferrous metal and, later, in zinc with an applied bronze finish. On zinc examples that finish frequently wears away or oxidises, leaving the grey base metal exposed. The appearance of INS94 is consistent with that kind of ageing. Material cannot be confirmed from photographs or visual inspection alone, so I describe it as a probable zinc example.

The surface has been left untouched. It should not be polished or aggressively cleaned.

For a bronzed example of the same grade, see the War Merit Cross 2nd Class without swords (INS33); for a wider overview, our WWII German Medals collector’s guide.

Why collect it?

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class without swords is a common decoration, so its interest lies in its material and ageing rather than rarity. A grey, probable zinc example shows clearly how wartime production materials changed, and it displays particularly well alongside a bronzed cross of the same grade.

Condition

Good used historical condition:

• Predominantly grey surface with substantial loss of the original bronzed finish.
• Textured fields and raised borders clearly preserved.
• Central emblem and wreath legible; 1939 reverse sharply readable.
• Suspension eye and ring complete.
• Ribbon present, with minor fraying and handling along the edges.
• 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

Is INS94 definitely zinc?
Its appearance is consistent with zinc, but the metal has not been tested, so it is described as probable zinc.

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

Is INS94 maker marked?
No maker mark is visible.

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) – construction, 1939 reverse, 30 mm 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.