Germany, Wehrmacht. A Cased War Merit Cross, First Class With Swords By Deschler & Sohn Archive dated August 26

dated August 26

All four screws appear to be original to the dagger and hold the fittings in place well

Lentze was ennobled by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1896 on occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Bapaume

maroon felt backing

Germany, Wehrmacht. A Cased War Merit Cross, First Class With Swords By Deschler & Sohn Archive dated August 26(Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern). Constructed of silvered tombak, presenting as a Maltese Cross, the obverse with crossed swords between the arms of the cross and a circular raised border of oak leaves on the obverse with a wreathed mobile swastika in the center, the reverse plain, with a vertical banjo style pinback, a barrel hinge, and a flat wire catch, marked 1 on the reverse of the catch for maker Deschler & Sohn, Mnchen, measuring