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

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Verdienstmedaille in Silber 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 edge maker marked “MÜNZAMT WIEN” for the Vienna mint, alongside a Vienna assay mark and silver content number of “835”, measuring 37.95 mm (w) x 44.94 mm (h), weighing 23.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.