German WWII Cased War Merit Cross 1st Class w/Swords Screwback by C.F. Zimmermann- This is a very scarce variation of the WMC. This specific badge has lost the majority of its original silver finish. As you know, this is made of zinc, which “eats’ the silver finish in many cases. This remaining zinc has toned to a darker gray color, which gives this award a nice vintage look. There are just hints of silver left, that gives this badge a cool look to it. This has an unusual screwback assembly on the reverse. There was a small stabilizing pin to hold this in place but it looks to be missing. This is marked on the reverse with L/52 for the maker C.F. Zimmermann. This comes with its original case. The black pebbled leatherette case is in near excellent condition. The hinge works as it should. There is no pin release, and nothing embossed on the cover of this case. But the inside is flocked in black velvet on the bottom, and the under lid is lined in off white rayon, and is nicely marked with the large LDO logo. This is a good looking badge with a scarce screw back, by a very good maker.
History: The War Merit Cross was instituted on October 18th, 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signifies bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. The War Merit cross series of awards was expanded on August 19th, 1940, to include a Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross for award to personnel who had provided a substantial contribution to the war effort.