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War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1939, 1. Klasse mit Schwertern), a German decoration instituted on 18 October 1939 to recognize military and civilian services connected with the war effort that did not qualify for the award of the Iron Cross. The version with swords was awarded for distinguished military service or contributions directly associated with wartime operations.
The 1st Class represented a higher grade of the decoration and generally required prior receipt of the 2nd Class. It was worn pinned directly to the left breast pocket of the uniform tunic, without a ribbon.
The insignia features an eight-pointed cross with textured surfaces and raised, polished edges, displaying a central swastika surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath and two crossed swords. It is manufactured in Buntmetall (non-ferrous metal alloy), retaining its period finish.
The reverse bears the maker’s number “65”, identifying Klein & Quenzer A.G. of Idar-Oberstein, a German manufacturer of military decorations during the Second World War.
Complete with its original presentation case, bearing the inscription “KVK”, the German abbreviation for Kriegsverdienstkreuz.
Original period War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords, manufactured by Klein & Quenzer A.G. (65), in Buntmetall, complete with its original presentation case.
