Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Merit Decoration, I Class in Gold with Case, by Wächtler & Lange

(Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Ostvölker, I. Klasse in Gold mit Etui). Instituted 14 July 1942. (1942-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded zink, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed starburst, bearing a central raised rosette, situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath, in turn surrounded by a pebbled border, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch emanating from an oval plate, the reverse of the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “100” for Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida, measuring 49.50 mm (w) x 49.36 mm (h), weighing 19.8 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt depiction of the award, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss of gilt finish to the badge, a matching set in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: This example was retrieved by a United States serviceman in the field during the Second World War, and hails directly from his estate without previously being available on the collector market.