The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2247a:
Description
This WWII-era German War Merit Cross 1st Class without Swords features the characteristic Maltese cross design with a pebbled finish on the arms and a central swastika within an oak leaf wreath. Struck in a silver-toned base metal, likely a zinc alloy (Kriegsmetall) typical of mid-to-late war production, the reverse shows a vertical pin-and-hinge assembly. The pin is stamped with the maker’s mark "50", identifying the manufacturer as Karl Gschiermeister of Vienna (Wien), a recognized producer of the period. Included is a fitted black presentation case with a velvet-lined interior and a functional metal snap. The medal exhibits age-related patina, oxidation to the finish, and some thinning of the silver wash, while the case shows external scuffing and edge wear consistent with age. Case H 2.5", W 2.5", D 1". Please see photos.
Disclaimer: Due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, this item is sold as-is without warranty of authenticity.
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