Germany, Wehrmacht. A German Cross in Silver, by Deschler & Sohn

(Deutsches Kreuz in Silber). Constructed of gilded and silvered tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed double-overlaid starburst pattern, bearing a central silvered disc overlaid by a black enameled mobile swastika, set within a silvered laurel leaf wreath, the former wrapped in ribbon and joined together at the bottom by a plaque bearing a date of “1940”, trimmed on both the inner and outer edges with red enameled borders, the reverse with four visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 62.40 mm (w) x 62.60 mm (h), weighing 67.8 grams, significant chipping is visible to the enamel of the swastika, most of the silver finish has been lost, and the reverse is missing its pinback apparatus, a scarce decoration in poor condition.