Germany, Republic. A War Merit Cross First Class With Swords, Alternative 1957 Version Hold Choice example

Choice example

He crashed but by God's mercy his plane did not catch fire

An American made collar

maker marked "RODEN BROS TORONTO" on the reverse

Germany, Republic. A War Merit Cross First Class With Swords, Alternative 1957 Version Hold Choice example(Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse). A Maltese cross with swords between the cross in silvered metal (non magnetic); the obverse pebbled, with a circular raised border of oak leaves on the obverse with 1939 in raised numbers in the center; the reverse with a vertical pinback, and a functional hinge catch assembly; measuring 48. 85 mm (w) x 49. 32 mm (h); weighing 22. 8 grams; in overall mint and unissued condition.