German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class w/o Swords with Envelope-This is a nice example of a war merit cross w/o swords. It retains a good amount of its original finish, that has toned to a nice darker color. There is a portion of original ribbon that remains clean with bright colors. The original well marked packet is also included. It is interesting that the maker’s name has been cut out of the envelope. We have learned that this was a common practice done by the manufacturers after the war ended. This way maker’s could sell their old stock under the radar of the new government. This is a great offering.
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.