This is a nice example of the War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit 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 example, it still retains most of its original silver finish and shows polished highlights, the cross is nicely vaulted (gewölbt) and shows a nice age patina. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '1' indicating production by the company of 'Deschler & Sohn' in München. The cross is complete with its functional pin & catch. Nice original cross in very good condition!