Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class with Swords and Case, by Deschler & Sohn Auction “CCCP” on reverse and hand

“CCCP” on reverse and hand engraved "629161"

issued at Staff Headquarters on 1 September 1941

the author ends with appendices which show how the various titles of naval rates have changed over the years and how the system of official numbering has been adapted to serve a steadily growing force

bronze suspension loop on the base cord

through historical and genealogical research

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class with Swords and Case, by Deschler & Sohn Auction “CCCP” on reverse and hand(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Constructed of silvered tombak, consisting of a Maltese Cross with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Prsidialkanzlei code 1 for Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 48. 47 mm (w) x 48. 41 mm (h), weighing 24.