Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross First Class With Swords Auction Archive circa 1942-43

circa 1942-43

with bolt and oval backing plate

He returned to Japan for twelve days

maker marked “RZM” but otherwise illegible

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross First Class With Swords Auction Archive circa 1942-43(Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern). A Maltese cross in silvered tombak, the obverse with crossed swords between the arms of the cross and a circular raised border of oak leaves on the obverse with a raised mobile swastika in the center, the reverse with a circular raised border of oak leaves bearing the institution date 1939 in raised numbering, measuring 48. 85 mm (w) x 48. 65 mm (h); weighing 21. 8 grams; in virtually mint condition.