German 1939 War Merit Cross First Class KVK1 with Swords Cased 4 Steinhauer & Lück

Excellent award constructed out of a die struck zinc base with silver wash. The reverse has a stamped catch and hinge with a nickel-silver coke bottle pin that is maker marked 4 for Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. Much of the silver wash is gone, but the zinc is in excellent condition and has great eye appeal. It measures 47.5mm inches wide and tall.

The award comes housed in its original matching case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained black leather. The very top features a silvered 1st class war merit cross with swords. The interior top lid is lined in pearl satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made of a black flocking covered cardboard. The lid is loose and still functional, but to be handled with care.

This award was created by Adolf Hitler in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars (similar medal but with a different ribbon). The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service “not in direct connection with combat”, and without swords given to civilians for meritorious service in “furtherance of the war effort”. Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting the next level.