Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Type I Merit Medal with Case

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Verdienstmedaille mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937-1943 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST-MEDAILLE” in Gothic script, the edge stamped with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 38.10 mm in diameter, weighing 26.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “VERDIENSTMEDAILLE”, with a depressed black doeskin medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 76 mm (w) x 115 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), the case demonstrating some material fatigue to the exterior, a very scarce complete set in extremely fine condition. Unmarked medal, but its presumed maker was Deschler.