This is a nice cased example of the 'Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwerter' (War merit cross 1st class with Swords). The 'Kriegsverdienstkreuz' is instituted on 18 October 1939. The basic criteria for award centered about bravery and service (not in connection with combat). The cross is a nice 'Buntmetall' example, complete with a functional pin & catch, the cross shows a slightly darkened age-patina. The cross comes in its original case being a fairly luxurious version having a neat silver-coloured 'KvK'-logo imprinted on the top - showing the 'KvK' with complete swastika. Both the case and the cross (62) are nicely maker marked by the company of 'Klein & Quenzer AG' in Idar-Oberstein. Nice original set in good condition!