Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords and Case, Type I by Deschler & Sohn

(Deutsche Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern in Silber in Frakturschrift). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of silver, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas, with a crossed sword clasp affixed to the twelve o’clock position, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST-MEDAILLE” (“GERMAN MERIT MEDAL”) in Fraktur script, topped by an integral loop with a suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the edge stamped with a silver content number of “900”, the medal measuring 38.19 mm in diameter, the swords measuring 31.43 mm (w) x 11.60 mm (h), weighing 25.8 grams, demonstrating edge nicks and the detachment of the ribbon (itself showing fading), in very fine condition, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a white rayon lid liner bearing an inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENSTMEDAILLE”, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 78 cm (w) x 115 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), demonstrating fading and material fatigue throughout, in very fine condition, also accompanied by two awards certificates, both constructed of off-white paper with black ink, one executed in German and the other in Spanish (for issue to notable Francoist diplomats or Blue Division personnel), both unspoiled and measuring 21 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (h), demonstrating moderate material fatigue, in overall very fine condition.