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 a functional pin & catch, it is showing a nice darkened age patina. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to production by the company of 'Deschler & Sohn' from München. Nice original cross in very good condition!