{"product_id":"war-merit-cross-2nd-class-complete-with-ribbon","title":"War Merit Cross 2nd Class Complete with Ribbon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII German \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWar Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complete with period ribbon. Instituted in 1939, the War Merit Cross was awarded to military personnel and civilians for meritorious service contributing to the German war effort. The swords device denotes service performed under wartime or combat-related conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features the date \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1939\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e surrounded by a wreath, while the reverse displays the traditional central swastika design. This example retains its original dark bronze finish and is suspended from the correct red, white, black, and white ribbon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe War Merit Cross was one of Germany’s most commonly awarded WWII decorations and remains a cornerstone medal in any German militaria collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorrect wartime ribbon attached\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBronze-finished construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObverse dated 1939\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombat-related “Swords” version\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive dark patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent display and collector piece\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery good original condition. The medal retains a pleasing dark bronze finish with moderate age wear and patina. Ribbon shows honest age, light fraying at the top, and minor storage wear consistent with wartime examples. No major damage or repairs noted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished by Adolf Hitler on October 18, 1939, the War Merit Cross recognized military and civilian contributions to the war effort. The crossed swords version was awarded for merit performed under wartime conditions, making it one of the most recognizable German decorations of World War II.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43154838192205,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/723108AA-764B-4BB7-997E-67E0A1AA91E3.jpg?v=1782158101","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/war-merit-cross-2nd-class-complete-with-ribbon","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}