Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Cross with Case, Type I by Deschler & Sohn

(Deutscher Adlerorden, Kreuz III. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937-1939 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, 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 integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, measuring 44.06 mm (w) x 44.64 mm (h), weighing 28.7 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the interior with a white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 9 cm (w) x 13.5 cm (l) x 2.5 cm (h), the obverse three and twelve o’clock arms demonstrating some scratching, the latter consequent to some denting of the top corner, with minor material fatigue also visible to the exterior of the case, a scarce early example in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This variation of the award was categorized as III Class until 1943, when reorganization and expansion of the order resulted in examples of these dimensions being issued as V Class. The cross offered is identified as III Class owing to its very early (1937-1939) production.