Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class with Swords and Case, by Klein & Quenzer
(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Constructed of silvered zink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with an integral hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting an integral catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “65” for Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein, measuring 47.50 mm (w) x 47.55 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid with a silver embossed depiction of the decoration, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white felt medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, the lid liner maker marked “KLEIN & QUENZER A.G., IDAR-OBERSTEIN”, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), minor loss of finish is evident to the cross in addition to material fatigue of the case, in overall near extremely fine condition.

