Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, Merit Cross with Breast Star and Case, by Deschler & Sohn

(Orden vom Deutschen Adler - Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937-1939 issue). A rare and early set of Order of the German Eagle for Merit, including:

1. A cross, constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and loop culminating in a suspension ring which retains an original full length of confectioned neck ribbon, the six o’clock arm bearing a silver content mark of “900”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, using the firm’s Type 1 eagle, measuring 50.96 mm (w) x 51.12 mm (h), weighing 39.9 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver with enamels, the obverse consisting of a six-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the cross in position, with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flattened and rounded catch, stamped with an inscription of “SILBER” and content mark of “800”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacturer by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, similarly using the firm’s Type 1 eagle, measuring 64.00 mm (w) x 74.30 mm (h), weighing 66.0 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels and slight loosening of the cross, in extremely fine condition.

3. A presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, situated within a gilt border, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “ORDEN VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER - VERDIENSTKREUZ MIT STERN” (“ORDER OF THE GERMAN EAGLE - MERIT CROSS WITH STAR”), with a fitted black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 16 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the exterior liner, a matching accompaniment to these high-quality signs of the order in near extremely fine condition.