Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class, By Otto Schickle Auction inscribed “Jederzeit zum frieden gewillt

inscribed “Jederzeit zum frieden gewillt - Jeder Stunde aber auch zur Abwehr Bereit” (German - Wanting peace at all times - but ready for defense at every hour)

number 273464

Engraved "Meine Ehre heißt Treue" on the blade

1940 on the basis of previous unofficial initiatives dating back to 1938

an Armed Forces Second Class Free Railway Ticket issued for the period October 9 to November 5

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross I Class, By Otto Schickle Auction inscribed “Jederzeit zum frieden gewillt(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Constructed of silvered tombak, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a block hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with LDO code L15 for Otto Schickle, Pforzheim, measuring 49. 24 mm (w) x 49. 25 mm (h), weighing 15. 8 grams, in near extremely fine condition.