War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords by RUM

German WW2 War Merit Cross 1st Class with swords.

The Merit Cross was awarded in two versions, with swords and without swords. The version with swords was issued to soldiers for exceptional service in battle above and beyond the call of duty (the Merit Cross is an award that is lower than the Iron Cross) the version without swords was for meritorious service not on the front line.

This version is the with swords so is for military service.

The award has 3 grades, War Merit second class, War Merit first class then the highest award the Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross.

Recipients of the War Merit First Class would have to have been awarded the lower War Merit Second Class first.

This quality metal replica by Richard Underwood Militaria has a flat pin back fitting on the back. The design is the merit cross with cross swords and a swastika in the middle. The award is silver in colour.