The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz, or KVK) was instituted on October 18, 1939 by Adolf Hitler as a decoration of the German Reich. It became one of the most significant civilian and military awards of the Second World War and was conferred in two classes: First Class and Second Class. The ribbon described here is the original service ribbon for the Second Class, as worn throughout the war period from 1939 to 1945.

The establishment of the War Merit Cross occurred through the Regulation on the Renewal of the War Merit Cross of October 18, 1939. This decoration was intended to recognize merit in connection with the war effort that was not directly earned in combat. It could be awarded to both military personnel and civilians, making it one of the most versatile decorations of the Third Reich.

The Second Class ribbon features the characteristic colors of red-white-black-white-red, with the black center stripe framed by narrow white stripes. This color combination connected to the tradition of the German Empire and was clearly inspired by historic Prussian and German order ribbons. The standardized width measured 25 mm, as with the specimen described here, which at a length of 240 mm corresponds to typical dimensions.

The War Merit Cross Second Class was worn on a ribbon, in contrast to the First Class, which was worn as a pin-back cross attached directly to the uniform. The ribbon was threaded through the second or third buttonhole of the uniform jacket, with the actual cross attached at the lower end. In the military wearing regulations, the KVK had an established place in the hierarchy of decorations.

Two variants of the War Merit Cross existed: one with swords for military merit in war service and one without swords for civilian merit or non-combat military achievements. The number of awards was enormous: estimates suggest several million War Merit Crosses Second Class were awarded, making this decoration one of the most frequently conferred of World War II.

The ribbons were manufactured by various authorized producers throughout the German Reich. Quality varied depending on the production period and manufacturer. Early specimens from 1939-1942 often exhibit higher quality, while later wartime productions were sometimes made from substitute materials due to shortages. The ribbon described here is designated as unworn, meaning it was never attached to a uniform or worn in service.

The award criteria were specified in several implementing regulations. Merits recognized with the KVK Second Class included outstanding achievements in the armaments industry, organization of home defense, administration, medical services, or other war-essential activities. For soldiers, it could be awarded for special achievements that did not meet the requirements for the Iron Cross.

After the end of World War II, the wearing of all National Socialist orders and decorations was prohibited by Control Council Law No. 1 of September 20, 1945. The Federal Republic of Germany later permitted the wearing of war decorations in so-called “denazified form”, with all swastikas and Nazi symbols removed. For the War Merit Cross, this meant removing the swastika from the medallion center.

Today, original ribbons and decorations from World War II are subjects of military-historical collections and research. They serve as material witnesses to a dark epoch of German history and help to understand the order structures and recognition systems of totalitarian regimes. The unworn ribbon represents a well-preserved example of the production standards of that era. Collectors and historians value such pieces for their historical significance and their ability to provide insight into the award practices and material culture of the period.

The condition of being unworn is particularly significant for historical artifacts, as it indicates the item was produced but never entered active service, possibly remaining in military stores or with a manufacturer until war's end. Such specimens often provide the clearest examples of original manufacturing techniques and materials.