Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice original German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class (KvK II), complete with its original named Besittzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate. The document measures approximately 8 1/4” x 11 3/4”, and is printed on mid-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The bottom has the correct signatures for the award, and the award itself has been inserted into a slot cut into the document for display.

This is the version of the award given to civilians, as indicated by the lack of swords. The document indicates that dem Walzer Christian Schumacher of Rasselstein was awarded the KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE. There is no further information, and we have not been able to determine the reason for the award, except that it may be related to dancing, or some type of public entertainment.

The document is in very good condition except for the small slot cut into it for the medal ribbon. The medal itself is also in very good shape, with minimal oxidation on the cross, and a good condition rayon ribbon.

A really nice named German WWII Medal, 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.