This is a nice cased example of the 'Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwerter' (War merit cross 1st class with Swords). 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 slightly vaulted 'Buntmetall' example, complete with a functional pin & catch. The cross is not visible maker marked but can very likely be attributed to the company of 'Julius Bauer & Söhne' from Zella Mehlis. The cross comes in its original black coloured case having a neat silver-coloured 'KvK'-logo imprinted on the top. Nice original set in good condition!