War Merit Cross 1'st Class With Swords, Maker Marked "4" 

The War Merit Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on October 18th 1939 in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signified bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service.

Die struck, zinc construction cross with a silver wash, in the form of a Maltese style cross with a circular centerpiece with an embossed, swastika encircled by an oak-leave wreath. The plain, reverse has the hinge, catch and broad tapered pin all intact. The pin is well marked with the manufacturer’s number “4”, indicating manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid”. The cross is in good condition but has lost it’s original silver paint.

Nice maker marked cross!!