Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class with Swords, with Case, by C.E. Juncker

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Constructed of silvered tombak, consisting of a Maltese Cross with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with pebbled arms, bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a central threaded lug retaining a period original backplate and with a stabilizing pin emanating from the twelve o’clock arm, the six o’clock arm maker marked with LDO code “L/12” for C.E. Juncker, Berlin, measuring 48.32 mm (w) x 48.17 mm (h), weighing 27.7 grams (inclusive of backplate), accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt LDO logo, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), with minor loss of finish and material fatigue evident to the cross and exterior of the case, respectively, a high-quality award with a scarce original case in extremely fine condition.