Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By C.f. Zimmermann Hold inscribed "Zweidornschnalle nach Vorschrift der

inscribed "Zweidornschnalle nach Vorschrift der Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP" marked "C" and numbered "No 416516"

as Italians felt more training was needed

Naming is officially in large capitals

measuring 281 mm in width x 148 mm in depth x 84 mm in height

The Battalion served in France and Belgium with the 5th Infantry Brigade

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By C.f. Zimmermann Hold inscribed "Zweidornschnalle nach Vorschrift der(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Constructed of zink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms, with a central wreathed mobile swastika and crossed swords through the centerpiece, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a round wire catch, marked with code L 52 for maker C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 49. 35 mm (w) x 48. 73 mm (h), weighing 17. 7 grams, in near very fine condition.