Knights Cross of War Merit Cross – Deschler

Product Description: We are pleased to offer a highly desirable and beautifully preserved example of the Knights Cross of War Merit Cross without Swords, a distinguished award that remains one of the most sought-after decorations from the era. This early-production example was manufactured by Deschler & Sohn, München, and is an outstanding specimen in excellent plus condition.

This exquisite Knight’s Cross is crafted from solid “900” silver, with additional silver frosting and expertly burnished highlights, enhancing its depth and striking visual appeal. The lower arm of the cross is clearly marked with the manufacturer’s PKZ number “1,” confirming production by the prestigious Deschler & Sohn, München, along with the “900” silver content stamp, verifying its premium silver construction. This piece lacks the later-date flaws, indicating earlier, superior-quality manufacture, yet retains the correct corner flaw, confirming its authenticity and adherence to known Deschler production characteristics.

This exceptional award retains its original Deschler-issued neck ribbon, which remains in full-length, untouched condition. The ribbon is vibrant and well-preserved, further enhancing the overall presentation of this rare piece.

Knight’s Crosses of the War Merit Cross without Swords are significantly rarer than their counterparts with swords, as they were awarded for exceptional non-combat achievements, making them highly coveted among serious collectors. Finding an early Deschler-manufactured example in such superb condition, complete with its original full-length ribbon, is a truly exceptional opportunity.

This historically significant and visually striking Knight’s Cross would make a prized addition to any advanced collection. Don’t miss your chance to acquire this remarkable and highly sought-after decoration—secure it for your collection today!

Historical Description: The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was likely the most commonly awarded WWII German decoration. In 1939, when Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross, he did not reinstitute the non-combatant version that had existed in previous wars. As a successor to this, he created the War Merit Cross. It existed in the same grades as the Iron Cross- there was the War Merit Cross 1st Class, War Merit Cross 2nd Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The 2nd Class award was a medal suspended from a ribbon, coated with a bronze finish. The War Merit Cross 1st Class was a pin-on award, with a silver finish. The Knights Cross version was worn on a ribbon around the bearer’s neck. The crosses were further differentiated into two categories: with swords, and without swords. The award with swords was for meritorious service in the face of the enemy, and could be awarded to soldiers to recognize achievements that did not merit award of an Iron Cross, as well as to civilians who fought fires during Allied air raids. The award without swords was for furthering the war effort, and could also be awarded to soldiers or civilians. Millions of people were eligible for these crosses, from members of the armed services to personnel of the Reichsbahn, the Luftschutz, border guards and customs agents and members of the other various political and paramilitary Third Reich organizations, and even factory workers. Some soldiers used a sort of military humor to mock the War Merit Cross as a “far-from-combat badge” or “field kitchen assault badge.” But many recipients of these crosses wore them with pride.

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