Germany, Wehrmacht. A Cased War Merit Cross, First Class with Swords, by Deschler & Sohn

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern mit Etui). Instituted 18.10.1939. (Issued 1939-1945). A Maltese cross in silvered tombak; the obverse with crossed swords between the arms of the cross and a circular raised border of oak leaves on the obverse with a raised mobile swastika in the center; the reverse plain, with a vertical banjo style pinback, a barrel hinge, and a flat wire catch; marked “1” on the reverse of the catch for “Deschler & Sohn, München”; measuring 48.38 mm (w) x 48.17 mm (h); weighing 23.2 grams. Accompanied by its original presentation case; constructed of heavy cardstock, with a black faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with an outline of a War Merit Cross with Swords; with a lined interior lid, a slotted medal bed, an intact fabric hinge cover, and a fully intact exterior leatherette hinge; measuring 69 mm (w) x 68 mm (h); in overall mint condition.