{"product_id":"wwii-german-war-merit-medal-1940","title":"WWII German War Merit Medal-1939","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII German War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) awarded for meritorious service in support of the German war effort. Instituted in 1939, this medal was presented to civilians and military personnel whose contributions aided the war effort but did not qualify for the War Merit Cross.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features the War Merit Cross design with a central swastika, while the reverse is inscribed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Für Kriegsverdienst 1939”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (“For War Merit 1939”). The medal retains its original suspension ring and ribbon displaying the correct red, white, black, white, and red color pattern associated with the award.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example exhibits an attractive aged patina and remains well-preserved with clear details on both sides. The ribbon shows expected age and storage wear but remains suitable for display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal WWII-era medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal suspension ring present\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRibbon attached\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong detail to obverse and reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHonest age patina throughout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinor wear consistent with age and handling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo major damage observed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry: Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod: World War II\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAward: War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate: 1939 Pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Bronze-toned alloy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal ribbon included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe War Merit Medal was instituted alongside the War Merit Cross system and was intended to recognize individuals who contributed to Germany’s wartime operations through civilian, industrial, administrative, or support service. Millions were awarded during the war, making it one of the most recognizable German decorations of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43153406099533,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/39746127-8981-4158-919D-8155C08C41D4.jpg?v=1782134561","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/wwii-german-war-merit-medal-1940","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}