An original German WWII War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 – KVM) complete with its original period ribbon. Instituted on 19 August 1940, the War Merit Medal was awarded to civilians and military personnel in recognition of meritorious service supporting the German war effort outside direct combat. It represented the entry-level award within the War Merit decoration system.
The obverse features the distinctive War Merit Cross design with a central swastika enclosed within a wreath, while the reverse bears the inscription “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” (“For War Merit 1939”).
This example retains an attractive original bronze finish with an even age patina and is suspended from its original ribbon, which displays honest period wear and minor fraying from long-term storage and use. Like the majority of wartime examples, the medal is unmarked.
An authentic wartime War Merit Medal (KVM), ideal for collectors of German WWII decorations or for completing an original medal grouping.
Period: Third Reich (1933–1945)
Country: Germany
Award: War Merit Medal (KVM)
German Name: Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939
Institution Date: 19 August 1940
Material: Bronze alloy
Maker: Unmarked
Attachment: Original suspension ring with period ribbon
Originality: 100% Original
Condition: Very good original condition. Original bronze finish with attractive age patina. Original ribbon present with honest wear and minor fraying consistent with age and use.
