War Merit Medal 1939 (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) + Pouch – Gottlieb & Wagner, Pforzheim

A very attractive and complete German WWII War Merit Medal 1939 (Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939), retaining its original factory ribbon and accompanied by its original period issue packet from Gottlieb & Wagner, Pforzheim.

Instituted on 19 August 1940, the War Merit Medal was awarded to civilians and military personnel for meritorious service in support of the German war effort that did not meet the criteria for the War Merit Cross. Recipients included factory workers, railway personnel, civil servants, medical staff, and others whose contributions were considered valuable to the war economy and home front.

The bronze-toned medal features the War Merit Cross with a central swastika on the obverse, while the reverse bears the inscription “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” (“For War Merit 1939”). The medal is complete with its original triangular ribbon in the national colors, showing bright, unfaded colors and remaining in excellent condition.

Included is the original issue packet, printed “Kriegs-Verdienstmedaille 1939”, with the reverse carrying the retailer’s imprint “Gottl. Fr. Keck & Söhne, Pforzheim.” Original packets accompanying the medal significantly enhance collector interest and are becoming increasingly difficult to find as complete sets.

The medal retains an attractive original bronze finish with sharp details throughout, while the packet displays honest age-related wear, consistent with wartime storage and handling.

A desirable complete set representing one of Germany’s principal wartime service awards, ideal for collectors of German decorations, civilian awards, or complete award groupings.

Condition: Excellent original condition. The medal retains a pleasing original bronze finish with crisp detail and an original full-length ribbon showing only minor age-related wear. The accompanying issue packet remains structurally sound with clear printing and expected storage wear from age.