Germany, Federal Republic. A German Social Welfare Decoration, I Class Cross with Case, Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval c. 1960

Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege I. Klasse mit Etui, Museumsstück). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, executed in black enamels with gilt highlights, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and loop retaining a ribbed suspension ring with an oak leaf centrepiece, retaining an original shortened length of neck ribbon, the suspension loop maker marked with LDO code “L/58” for Rudolf Souval, measuring 54.39 mm (w) x 59.32 mm (h), weighing 40.5 grams (inclusive of ring), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered LDO insignia, the interior with a padded dark blue rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a fitted dark 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), demonstrating minor flecking and material fatigue to the decoration and case, respectively, a high-quality exhibition example provided to collectors and recipients as replacement pieces in extremely fine condition.