Germany, Federal Republic. A German Order, I Class Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval, c. 1960

(Deutscher Orden der NSDAP, Museumsstück). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with black enameled arms, the obverse of each trimmed with a raised and gilded oak leaf border, joined through the quadrants by a double-sided NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastikas, bearing a central NSDAP membership badge consisting of a white enameled medallion overlaid by a black mobile swastika, situated within a dark red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “NATIONAL-SOZIALISTISCHE D.A.P.”, in turn surrounded by a gilded oak leaf wreath, the reverse arms trimmed with hilt borders, bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt signature of the Führer, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a double-sided circular oak leaf wreath overlaid by a pair of crossed swords, in turn topped by a clasp consisting of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika emerging from a pair of oak leaves, with an integral loop retaining a period original neck ribbon, the reverse of the loop maker marked with LDO code “L/58” for Rudolf Souval, Vienna, with a silver content number of “935”, measuring 49.70 mm (w) x 99.57 mm (h), weighing 68.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels with sporadic loss of gilt finish to the base metal, a fine-quality exhibition example of the highest award of the NSDAP, bestowed to a mere eleven individuals between 11 February 1942 and 28 April 1945, in extremely fine condition.