A War Merit Cross First Class without Swords by Austrian Maker Karl Schiermeister

A Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne Schwertern; maltese cross in silvered tombak; the obverse pebbled, with a circular raised border of oak leaves on the obverse with a raised mobile swastika in the center; the reverse plain with a vertical slender banjo style pinback, a barrel hinge and a rounded catch; marked “50” for “Karl Schiermeister of Vienna” on the pin; measuring 48.29 mm x 48.59 mm; weighing 17.0 grams; accompanied by its original case of issue; constructed of heavy pressed paper with a lightly textured black faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with an outline of a War Merit Cross First Class in silver; lined interior lid; functional spring catch with stud release; intact interior fabric hinge cover; functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 67 mm x 67 mm; extremely fine condition.