Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, IV Class Cross with Swords, by C.F. Zimmermann

(Deutscher Adlerorden Kreuz V. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the obverse overlaid across the three and nine o’clock arms with a crossed sword clasp, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension culminating in an eyelet and loop which retains a period original ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 45.04 mm (w) x 51.05 mm (h), weighing 26.0 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, with visible adhesive under the swords and an additional excess of discoloured material to the corner of the reverse three o’clock arm, a wartime example in extremely fine condition.