War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienst Kreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern). The War Merit Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 18 October 1939 in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians. The cross is a zinc example and comes with its original ribbon and carton pouch as found. The pouch is maker marked by the company of 'E. Ferdinand Wiedmann' from Frankfurt am Main. Nice set in good used condition!