Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class with Swords, Screwback Version, by Hymmen & Co. GTRexclude Belt remains in strong leather

Belt remains in strong leather

(Kriegsmarine Anstecknadel)

Pinned onto the lower peak is an enameled HJ insignia

KdF was supposed to bridge the class divide

with only about ten per cent of those who served receiving the medal

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class with Swords, Screwback Version, by Hymmen & Co. GTRexclude Belt remains in strong leather(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern an Schraubscheibe). Constructed of silvered zink, 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 central threaded screwpost retaining an original backplate, the six oclock arm showing an illegible hand etched inscription which is presumably a recipients name, otherwise unmarked but