Germany, Wehrmacht. An Unissued War Merit Cross, I Class with Swords and Case, by Descheler & Son

(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 and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “1” for Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 48.45 mm (w) x 48.35 mm (h), weighing 23.5 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered depiction of the award, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black felt medal bed, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 18 mm (h), the award demonstrating surface tarnishing consistent with storage, an unissued example by a desirable manufacturer in extremely fine condition.