Germany, Third Reich. A German Social Welfare Decoration, I Class Cross with Case, by Gebrüder Godet

(Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege 1. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1939. (1939-1944 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, executed in black enamels with details highlighted in gilt, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and loop connecting to a ribbed ring emanating from a pair of oak leaves, in turn retaining a period original length of neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 54.22 mm (w) x 58.94 mm (h), weighing 40.0 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a rigid card stock frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid trimmed with a gilt border, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner, maker marked “GEBR. GODET & CO., BERLIN W.8., CHARLOTTENSTR. 55”, with a fitted blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 8 cm (w) x 13 cm (l) x 3 cm (h), an original matching set demonstrating Godet’s noted quality, with minor material fatigue visible to the case, in overall extremely fine condition.