Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern (KVK 1st Class with Swords) – Maker Marked "84" Carl Poellath

This is an original example of the War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords, awarded to German military personnel and civilians during the Second World War for outstanding service not involving direct combat. The addition of swords indicates recognition for acts performed under combat conditions.

• Maker: Carl Poellath, Schrobenhausen, marked with "84" on the reverse.
• Material: Zinc with a silver wash finish, showing honest wear and patina.
• Design: A Maltese-style cross with crossed swords behind a central swastika medallion, awarded without ribbon and worn on the uniform via a vertical pin-back system.
• Condition: Good, with signs of age and wear consistent with a field-issued example. Functional pin and catch present.
  
  

This badge is a textbook piece and a fine collectible for those specializing in WWII German decorations, especially those looking for a combat-awarded merit badge from a known manufacturer.