A War Merit Cross, produced in zinc, in good condition, showing little original finish as is typical of the material.
The reverse features tombak fittings, soldered in place. Considerable original finish remains on the hardware and soldering points.
Suspension ring stamped with PKZ code “3” in a square, denoting the maker Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid.
The German War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 18 October 1939 to recognize both military and civilian contributions to the war effort. The decoration was issued in two principal grades, 2nd Class and 1st Class, each in two variations: with swords and without swords. The version with swords was awarded for military-related merit, while the version without swords was presented for non-combatant achievements in medical, administrative, diplomatic, or governmental service. The highest grade of the award was the Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross, reserved for particularly outstanding merit.
Closely associated with this series, the War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) was founded on 19 October 1940 to honor civilians and war workers. It was awarded for significant contributions beyond the battlefield, particularly in industry, armaments production, and administration, which strongly supported the Reich’s wartime efforts.
