Home Home
   Swat the Shopping Bug to view related military items!
WWII GERMAN BADGE - 1ST CLASS WAR MERIT CROSS WITH SWORDS - CASED -

The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a decoration of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel. It was reissued in 1957 by the Bundeswehr in a De-Nazified version for veterans.

This award was created by Adolf Hitler in 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars. The award was graded the same as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross.

The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service in battle above and beyond the call of duty (but not worthy of an Iron Cross which was more a bravery award), and without swords for meritorious service behind the lines which could also be awarded to civilians. Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting the next level. There was also another version below the 2nd class simply called the War Merit Medal (German: Kriegsverdienstmedaille), set up in 1940 for civilians in order to offset the large number of 2nd class without swords being awarded. It was usually given to those workers in factories who significantly exceeded work quotas.





The item featured here is a 1st class War Merit Cross with swords award. Complete with the issue case. The construction of the cross is of very high quality. The design consists of The pin is stamped with the number 1. This is an LDO number that identifies the manufacturer of the award.

The cross comes with its issue case. Both items are in nearly mint condition. The box interior of the box is molded so that the cross has a perfect fit. It is lined with black felt to provide a more elegant and protective surface. The lid of the box bears the image of the War Merit cross rendered in silver paint. The hinges of the box are neatly covered. A latch secures the lid in the closed position when the box is closed.



This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.

One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German badges in the collector's market is illustrated.

This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. Medal Anatomy
  3. Identifying fakes and reproductions
  4. RZM manufacturing codes
  5. LDO manufacturing codes
  6. Construction materials
  7. Pins, hinges and other
  8. Perspective view
  9. Purchasing a WWII German Combat badge










The close up photo shows how the pin is marked with a number 1. The award fits snuggly into the case. This was designed it would not be damaged during transportation.





This award is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.



If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going to our WWII German Badges and Awards identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.





PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for WWII German Combat badges and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.



Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Value $140.00 $175.00 $200.00 $230.00 $230.00 $
Availability Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Invest Grade B B B B B


While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
� 1997 - 2022 MilitaryItems.com - All rights reserved.