This is a nice cased 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 (Buntmetall) example, complete with a functional pin & catch, it shows a nice darkened age patina. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '62' indicating production by the company of 'Kerbach & Oesterhelt' from Dresden. The cross comes in its original case being a fairly luxurious version having a neat silver-coloured 'KvK'-logo imprinted on the top - showing the 'KvK' with complete swastika. The box is matching maker marked by 'Kerbach & Oesterhelt' from Dresden'. The case is in good condition with some normal usage to the corners, unfortunately the closing machnism is not functional anymore. Nice set in good used condition!