Original German WWII Named War Merit Cross 2nd Class Grouping with Photo, Award Document, Postcard & More on Display Board

Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent original Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse ohne Schwertern (German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords - KvKII), complete with its original ribbon and named Besittzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate. Additionally, it comes with the original award packet, a period post card of the award from the series DIE KRIEGSORDEN DES GROSSDEUTSCHEN REICHES (The War Orders of the Greater German Empire), and even a picture of the recipient, Oberforstmeister Hermann Deifenbach! Mounted onto a 14 1/4" x 18" black display board, this is a perfect candidate for professional framing!

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 raised stamp in the lower left corner is fully present, not having been squashed down over the years. The document is really in fantastic shape, with no folding, curling, or other issues.

This is the version of the award given to civilians, as indicated by the lack of swords. The document indicates that Oberforstmeister Hermann D i e f e n b a c h of Darmstadt was awarded the KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE on 1. September 1943. "Oberforstmeister" (Senior Forest Master) was a "Field Grade" paramilitary rank in the NSDAP German National Forest Service, so we assume that Diefenbach made some great contributions to forestry, resulting in the award.

The 3 3/8" x 5 3/8" photo postcard has the correct metallic sheen for a period photograph, and shows Diefenbach leaning against the side of a chair where his wife is sitting. They are surrounded by flowers, making it a very nice portrait, and we may assume that the family was very into forestry and gardening. The reverse of the photo is marked H und E. Diefenbach 1940. The collar insignia on his Forestry Service uniform indicates the rank of Revierförster (Area Ranger), so he received several promotions between when the photo was taken and when he was given the KvK.

The medal itself is in excellent condition, with minimal oxidation on the cross, and an unissued condition rayon ribbon, still folded up as issued. It is also stamped with Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) number 1 twice (one is partial) on the hanger ring, which represents Deschler & Sohn of München (Munich) in Bavaria, Germany. Most of these that we see are unmarked, or the maker mark is unclear, so this is a rare treat!

The original paper packet is the brown paper version, and is in very good condition. It has the correct markings in German Black Letter Typeface:

Kriegs=
Verdienſtkreuz
2. Klaſſe

There is a maker mark on the reverse for Deſchler & Sohn / München 9, so the packet is original to the award. The 4 1/8" x 5 3/4" Postcard for the award is in great shape, and examining the reverse shows that it was never mailed.

A great named War Merit Cross grouping with fantastic research and display potential!

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.