War Merit Medal 1939 (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) + Pouch – Robert Hauschild, Pforzheim
A very attractive and complete German WWII War Merit Medal 1939 (Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939), retaining its original factory-mounted ribbon and accompanied by its original period issue packet from Robert Hauschild, Pforzheim.
The War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 19 August 1940 as part of the War Merit Cross award system. It was awarded to both civilian and military personnel who rendered valuable non-combat service in support of the German war effort. Recipients included factory workers, railway employees, engineers, medical personnel, civil servants, technicians, and administrative staff whose contributions were considered essential to Germany’s wartime infrastructure and logistics.
The obverse features the distinctive War Merit Cross with a central swastika, while the reverse bears the inscription “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” (“For War Merit 1939”). The medal is complete with its original triangular ribbon displaying the characteristic War Merit colors.
Included is the original wartime issue packet printed “Kriegs-Verdienstmedaille 1939”, with the reverse carrying the retailer’s stamp “Robert Hauschild, Pforzheim.” Original retailer-marked packets are becoming increasingly difficult to find and add significantly to the historical integrity and collectability of the set.
The medal retains an attractive original bronze finish with crisp details and a pleasing untouched appearance. The ribbon remains complete, while the packet displays honest age-related wear consistent with wartime storage.
A desirable complete example of one of Germany’s principal wartime service awards, offered together with its original retailer-marked issue packet.
Condition: Excellent original condition. The medal retains a pleasing original finish with sharp details and an original factory-mounted ribbon. The issue packet remains complete with clear printing and expected age-related storage wear.
€45,00
Details
| Conflict | World War II |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany (Third Reich) |
Statement
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Historical Description
The Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 (War Merit Medal) was instituted on 19 August 1940 by Adolf Hitler as part of the War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) award system. It served as the entry-level decoration within the War Merit series and was created to recognize individuals who rendered valuable services in support of Germany’s wartime effort but whose contributions did not warrant the higher classes of the War Merit Cross.
Unlike combat decorations, the War Merit Medal primarily recognized non-combat achievements. It was awarded to both civilian and military personnel who made significant contributions to the functioning of the German war economy, administration, logistics, transportation, communications, medical services, agriculture, civil defense, and industrial production.
Recipients included factory workers who exceeded production quotas, railway employees responsible for military transport, postal and communications personnel, civil servants, engineers, technicians, nurses, Red Cross workers, municipal officials, and many others whose daily work contributed to the overall war effort. Military personnel serving in administrative, logistical, or support roles could also receive the medal for particularly meritorious service.
The medal is struck in bronze-toned metal and features the War Merit Cross with a central swastika on the obverse. The reverse bears the inscription:
“Für Kriegsverdienst 1939”
(“For War Merit 1939”)
The ribbon follows the distinctive colors of the War Merit award series, consisting of red outer stripes, white stripes, black fields, and a narrow central red stripe, making it easily distinguishable from the ribbon of the Iron Cross.
Although often overshadowed by more prestigious military decorations, the War Merit Medal was one of the most widely awarded decorations of the Second World War. It represents the recognition of the immense civilian and logistical infrastructure that supported Germany’s wartime operations. Today, complete examples accompanied by their original issue packets are increasingly sought after by collectors, particularly when preserved together as issued.
