German WWII War Merit Cross 1st Class w/Swords by Mayer-This is a great looking badge. This medal is produced in zinc and has lost the majority of its original silver finish. The remaining zinc has a nice gray tone to it and shows nice details. The pin, hinge and catch assembly work as intended. The pin retains all of its silver finish. It is also marked with the number '3' indicating manufacture by the firm of Wilhelm Deumer, of Lüdenscheid. This is an honest, wartime example!History: The War Merit Cross was instituted in October 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords. These were awarded to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany's war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signified bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service.