War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords (Kriegsverdienst Kreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwertern). The War Merit Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 18 October 1939 in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians. The cross is a tombak (Buntmetall) example and comes with its original ribbon and carton pouch. The pouch is nicely maker marked by the company of 'Ochs & Bonn' from Hanau am Main, a rarely found maker mark. Nice set in very good condition!