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 (Buntmetall) example, complete with its functional pin & catch. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '15' indicating production by the company of 'Friedrich Orth' from Wien (Vienna). The cross is showing a nice darkened age patina. Nice original cross in good used condition!