Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Bronze Merit Medal with Swords, by the Vienna Mint

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Verdienstmedaille in Bronze mit Schwertern). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas, topped by a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST MEDAILLE” (“GERMAN MERIT MEDAL”), the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “30” for the Vienna Mint, measuring 37.90 mm (w) x 45.05 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.