War Merit Cross 1st Class without Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne 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 great patina and polished highlights. The cross is nicely maker marked with number '4' indicating production by the company of 'Steinhauer & Lück' from Lüdenscheid. Nice original cross in very good condition!