GERMAN WW2 WAR MERIT MEDAL WITH RIBBON

This War Merit Medal comes with an original ribbon.  

The civilian War Merit Medal were given to civilians during WW2 in recognition of their outstanding service for war operations.   Often given to factory workers who greatly exceeded their quotas. 

Closely related to the War Merit Cross given to military personnel for outstanding service.  The War Merit Cross is in the inside of the circular bronze medal on the front of the civilian War Merit Medal and inscribed on the back is Für Kriegsverdienst 1939 (for war merit). 

Normally suspended on a ribbon, coloured similiar to the War Merit Cross, except for a thin red vertical strip which has been added to the center of the black portion.  Normally worn with the ribbon through the second buttonhole of a jacket.  Since this was a non-combat award, the medal never incorporated swords.