World War I Military Merit Cross, Third Class with Swords, 3 in. long. Suspended from a red and white striped trifold ribbon, the red and white enameled cross bears the text ‘Verdienst’ (‘Merit’) with the war decoration of a gilt wreath of laurel leaves set between the arms of the cross. The gilt swords are affixed to the top of the ribbon. Presented in a black and gold case, 2.5 x 4.25 in. with the text ‘Militaer Verdienstkreuz’ (Military Cross of Merit’). The inside of the case consists of blue velvet where the cross would lay. The inside of the case also bears the logo of jeweler ‘Rothe & Neffe’. Lightly soiled, else very good.