Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By Steinhauer & Lück United Republic of Orden Belog Orla

Orden Belog Orla

marked 925 along with hallmark of maker Meybauer on reverse

and complete with gilded hardware

GOODWIN / 351

Its status became a controversial subject in the Cold War until the warming of relations known as the Khrushchev Thaw

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By Steinhauer & Lück United Republic of Orden Belog Orla(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Constructed of silvered feinzink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, with crossed swords through the centerpiece, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a round integrated catch, the pinback maker marked with Prsidialkanzlei code 4 for Steinhauer & Lck, Ldenscheid, measuring 49. 30 mm (w) x 48. 80 mm (h), weighing