Germany, Third Reich. A War Merit Cross, I Class Without Swords, by Karl Gschiermeister

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse ohne Schwerter). A Maltese Cross in silvered tombak, with angled notches in the end of each arm to produce an eight-pointed cross, the edges of each arm flat and the field of each arm finely pebbled, the centre obverse features a circular wreath of oak leaves, the central field surrounded by this wreath bears a swastika, the reverse presents a vertical hinged pin, maker mark “50” designating Karl Gschiermeister of Vienna, measures 48.85 mm (w) x 48.60 mm (h), weighs 16.3 g, accompanied by period original presentation case, constructed of heavy cardstock, in a lightly textured faux leather exterior, exterior bears a silhouette stencil of the class on the case lid, a lined interior, recessed medal bed, intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional spring catch with stud release, and functional exterior metal hinge, measuring 69 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 20 mm (w), and overall extremely fine condition.