Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Breast Star with Swords, by Godet & Co., 1943

(Bruststern zum Verdienstkreuz des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler mit Schwertern). Instituted on 1 May 1937 by AH. (Issued 1943-1945.) A white-enamelled Maltese cross with white enameled arms, riveted to a silver, six-pointed star, with partially enameled national eagles between the arms of the cross, crossed swords mounted on the enamel at the centre of the cross, the reverse plain, with two hollow rivets, with a vertical pinback, and a functional hinge/catch assembly, silver hallmark “900” and maker mark ‘21” for Gebrüder Godet & Co. of Berlin, measuring 75.66 mm (w) x 75.80 mm (h), weighing 52.2 grams, and in mint condition.

Footnote: The 1937/1939 awards are marked simply “900,” while the 1943 breast star is marked “900” and “21.” See John R. Angolia, For Führer and Fatherland: Political & Civil Awards of the Third Reich, Second Edition (San Jose: R. James Bender, 1989), 52.