Unissued War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords
In its original wrapping paper, with original ribbon.
Stamped with the “1” PKZ code in a circle (Deschler & Sohn).
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 existed in multiple grades: 2nd Class and 1st Class, each of which could be awarded with or without swords. The version with swords was awarded for military merit, while the non-sword variant was intended for civilian services in areas such as healthcare, administration, diplomacy, and other official duties. The highest grade was the Knight’s Cross, reserved for particularly outstanding achievements.
The War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) was established on 19 October 1940 to specifically honor the contributions of civilians and war workers. Its purpose was to reward those who made exceptional contributions to the German Reich’s war efforts outside the front lines—in industry, armaments production, or civil administration.
