Cased War Merit Cross 1st Class without Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne Schwerter). 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 tombak (Buntmetall) example, complete with its functional pin & catch. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '50' indicating production by the company of 'Karl Gschiermeister' from Wien (Austria). The cross comes in its original black coloured 'LDO' type case as found together in a US veteran bring-back grouping. The case is in good condition with some normal usage to the corners. Nice original set in very good condition!