An original German WWII War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 – KVM). 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 familiar War Merit Cross design with a central swastika enclosed within a wreath. The reverse bears the official die-struck inscription “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” (“For War Merit 1939”), a standard feature found on all original War Merit Medals.
This example retains its original suspension ring and displays an attractive, untouched bronze patina with honest age and handling wear. Like the majority of wartime-produced examples, it is unmarked.
An authentic wartime War Merit Medal (KVM), ideal for collectors of German WWII awards 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
Originality: 100% Original
Condition: Very good original condition. Attractive original bronze finish with honest age patina. Original suspension ring intact. Light handling and storage wear consistent with age.
