Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, V Class Cross with Swords, by C.F. Zimmermann

(Orden vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz V. Stufe mit Schwertern). Instituted on 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse with central crossed gilt swords, the quadrants with gilt German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled backgrounds, the twelve o’clock arm with a ribbed fan bearing an integral loop and suspension ring with a period original ribbon, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by C.F. Zimmerman, Pforzheim, measuring 45.08 mm (w) x 51.07 mm (inclusive of the integral loop), measuring 26.4 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.