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 (Buntmetall) example, it still retains most of its original silver finish and is showing a nice darkened age-patina. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to production by the company of 'Deschler & Sohn' in München. The cross is complete with its functional pin & catch. Nice original cross in good used condition!