WW2 German War Merit Cross 2nd Class Full Size NO MAKER MARK

The WW2 German War Merit Cross 2nd Class, Full Size, is a decoration that was instituted by the Third Reich in October 1939. Intended to recognize significant contributions to the German war effort by both military personnel and civilians, this decoration was awarded for services that did not involve direct combat. The cross is constructed from a bronze alloy and features a maltese cross design with smooth arms and a central raised medallion displaying a swastika and the date “1939.” This example is full-sized and does not display a maker’s mark, a characteristic found on some original awards. The reverse side of the medal is plain, without any inscriptions. Typically, this cross was issued with a ribbon in red, white, and black, though the ribbon is not always present. Collectors and historians regard the War Merit Cross as an important artifact for understanding the system of recognition within the German military and civil sectors during World War II.