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. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to production by the company of 'Julius Bauer & Söhne' from Zella Mehlis. The cross is showing a slighlty darkened age patina. Nice original cross in good used condition!