This award was created by Adolf Hitler in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars (similar medal but with a different ribbon). The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service "not in direct connection with combat", and without swords given to civilians for meritorious service in "furtherance of the war effort". 
 
This is an original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class (with swords) on an original ribbon. Suspension ring is unmarked. This cross has had it's suspension modified/repaired in a way resembling that of a Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The ends of the left, bottom, and right arms of this cross show flaring - which appears to be a personal modification rather than a sign of excessive wear. An interesting and unique example of the War Merit Cross