Germany, Wehrmacht. A German Cross in Gold, Light Version with Case by Deschler & Sohn, with Dietrich Maerz

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold mit Etui). Constructed of cupal with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a double-overlaid eight-pointed starburst pattern, bearing a central silvered disc overlaid by a raised and black enameled mobile swastika, situated within a circular gilded laurel leaf wreath, wrapped in ribbon and joined together at the bottom by a plaque bearing an institution date of “1941”, trimmed along both the interior and exterior edges with red enameled rings, the reverse with four visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “1” for Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 63.66 mm (w) x 63.50 mm (h), weighing 53.2 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 110 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), the enamel of the swastika demonstrates shallow scratches and loss of finish consistent with friction, a fine-quality example in overall extremely fine condition, accompanied by a comprehensive certificate of authenticity issued by Dietrich Maerz, dated 30 October 2023.