Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent original Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern (German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords - KvKII), complete with its original ribbon and named Besittzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate. The document measures approximately 5 1/2” x 7 7/8” (about 14cm x 20cm), and is printed on mid-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The bottom has the correct signatures for the award.

The document indicates that the KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE MIT SCHWERTERN was awarded to Obergefreiten Wilhelm S c h e r e r of 4. / Sich. Batl. 335, short for 4. Kompanie / Sicherung Bataillon 355, or the 4th Company, 335th Security Detachment. Obergefreiten (Senior Exempted) is a senior enlisted rank equivalent to a U.S. Army Corporal. The location it was presented is given as Div.Gef.Stand, short for DivisionGefechtsStand (Division command Post). It was awarded on 30. Januar 1944. and has a faded issue stamp, which we cannot read. However we can see the signature of an Oberst on the lower right side, with i.V. des Kdrs. 252.I.D., indicating they were signing in place of the division commanders. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The medal itself is in excellent condition, with minimal oxidation on the cross, and a very good condition rayon ribbon, threaded through the hanger ring. It is also stamped with Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) number 1 on the hanger ring, which represents Deschler & Sohn of München (Munich) in Bavaria, Germany. Most of these that we see are unmarked, or the maker mark is unclear, so this is a rare treat!

A really nice German WWII KvKII with ribbon, maker marked and complete with a named award document. Ready to research and display!

War Merit Cross 2nd Class (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) without Swords
This was a decoration of NSDAP Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to military personnel and civilians alike. By the end of the war it was issued in four degrees, and had a related civil decoration. It was created by Adolf AH in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars. The award was graded the same as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service "not in direct connection with combat", and without swords for meritorious service to civilians in "furtherance of the war effort". As with the Iron Cross, Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting the next level.