Germany, Federal Republic. A Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords, 1957 Version

(Ritterkreuz der Kriegsverdienstkreuzes mit Schwertern). Constructed of silver, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and crossed swords piercing the centerpiece, the obverse bearing a central circular oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, surrounding a pebbled void, the reverse bearing a central circular oak leaf wreath, surrounding a raised date of “1939”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by two ribbed bars culminating in an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, the integral loop stamped with a silver content number of “800” and number “41” (possibly a Präsidialkanzlei number indicating production by Gebrüder Bender, Oberstein, as a known wartime manufacturer of the lower grades of the War Merit Cross), measuring 51.88 mm (w) x 57.58 mm (l), weighing 27.4 grams, demonstrating a consistent patina throughout, in extremely fine condition.