Cased War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwerter). The 'Kriegsverdienstkreuz' was 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 tombak (Buntmetall) example, complete with a functional pin & catch, it shows a nice darkened age patina. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to production by the company of  'Carl Poellath' from Schrobenhausen. The cross comes in its original black coloured case having a silver-coloured 'KvK'-logo imprinted on the top. The case is in good condition with some normal usage to the corners, the closure mechanism is not working properly. Nice original set in good used condition!