Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, I Class Merit Cross with Case, by Gebrüder Godet

(Deutscher Adlerorden Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each joined through the quadrants by a gilded NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika on a white enameled disc, the obverse overlaid across the three and nine o’clock arms with a pair of crossed swords, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension with an eyelet and ring retaining a period original full-length neck ribbon, the eyelet stamped with a silver content number of “900” and Präsidialkanzlei code of “21” indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 50.38 mm (w) x 58.98 mm (h), weighing 29.6 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “DEUTSCHER ADLERORDEN I. STUFE MIT SCHWERTERN” (designated as a III Class award from 1943 onward), with a depressed and fitted velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 14 cm (w) x 18 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case, in extremely fine condition.