WW2 German War Merit Cross With Swords Full Size No Ribbon No Maker Mark

The WW2 German War Merit Cross with Swords, full size, represents an official decoration awarded during the Second World War by Nazi Germany. Instituted on October 18, 1939, the War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was given to military personnel and civilians for meritorious service not involving direct combat. The addition of swords signifies that the award was granted for contributions under conditions involving combat operations or military merit. This example is a full-size version and does not include a ribbon or a maker mark, which was not uncommon among certain wartime productions. The cross itself features a Maltese cross design, with crossed swords positioned between the arms. The obverse bears the date “1939” at the lower arm and a central swastika surrounded by a laurel wreath. This decoration serves as a representative artifact from Germany’s military awards system during World War II and is of interest for collectors and historians studying period insignia and decorations.