War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwerter). The War Merit Cross 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 zinc example, the cross still retains a fair amount of its original silver finish. The cross is complete with a functional pin & catch, the catch is bent slightly. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '3' indicating production by the company of 'Wilhelm Deumer' from Lüdenscheid. Nice original cross in good used condition!