Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern People’s Merit Decoration, I Class in Gold, with Case

(Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Ostvölker, I. Klasse in Gold mit Etui). Constructed of gilded zink, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed starburst, bearing a central raised rosette set within a circular laurel leaf wreath joined together at the bottom by ribbon, with ribbed inner and outer edges, the reverse with a barrel hinge and wide vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 49.96 mm (w) x 49.73 mm (h), weighing 24.1 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden 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, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), the badge demonstrates total loss of gilt finish and moderate material fatigue is visible to the case, the latter including the loss of the medal bed, in overall very fine condition.