Original German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Named Award Document and Packet - KvKII

Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent original German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class (KvK II) in its issue packet, complete with its original named Besittzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate. The document measures approximately 5 3/4” x 8 1/4”, and is printed on mid-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The bottom has the correct signatures for the award.

This is the version of the award given to civilians, as indicated by the lack of swords. The document indicates that Melder Rieder Pia Oberföhring OG. Mü.-Ost was awarded the Kriegsverdienſtkreuz 2. Klaſſe in München (Munich) on 25. August 1944. "Melder" is the word for reporter or detector, so we believe this was awarded to Reporter Pia Rieder in Oberföhring outside of Eastern Munich. It is signed by the commander of Luftgau VII, General der Flakartillerie Emil Zenetti. We assume it was awarded for detecting an air raid or something similar.

The medal itself is in excellent condition, with minimal oxidation on the cross, and a very good condition rayon ribbon, threaded through the hanger ring. It is also stamped with Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) number 52 on the underside of the pin, which represents Gottlieb & Wagner of Idar/Oberstein.

The original paper packet is the brown paper version, and shows wear crumpling with a tear on the left edge. It has the correct markings in German Black Letter Typeface:

Kriegs=
Verdienſtkreuz
2. Klaſſe
ohne Schwerter

There is a maker mark on the reverse for Gottlieb & Wagner / Oberſtein  / Rahe, so we believe that the packet is original to the award.

A really nice complete German WWII KvKII, complete with a named award document. Ready to research and display!

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.