Croatia, Independent State. An Order of the German Eagle with Document to Ustasha Officer Nikola Rajkovic 1942

A fine and complete German Eagle Order set including the 1942 award document and photo of the Ustasha recipient; (Orden vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz, I Stufe). Instituted 1 May 1937. In silver gilt with white enamel, consisting of a Maltese cross with white enamel arms, four German national eagles clutching wreathed swastikas are positioned between the quadrants of the cross, the 12 o’clock arm bears an ornate detail with a loop and a suspension ring marked “900”, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of Gebruder Godet & Co, measuring 49.80 mm (w) x 58.4 mm (h), weighing 28.1 g; accompanied by its period original case of issue, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux red leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the interior with a padded white satin-type lid liner with inscription of “Verdienstkreuz I. Stufe des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler” (Cross of Merit I. Level of the Order of the German Eagle), with an intact hinge cover, slotted and depressed black felt medal bed, functional bronze snap button release, measuring 140 mm (w) x 185 mm (l) x 28 mm (h); A document of issue reading “IM NAMEN DES DEUTSCHEN VOLKES VERLEIHE ICH DEM BERICHTERSTATTER DER USTASCHA-EINHEITEN HERRN NIKOLA RAJKOVIC DAS VERDIENSTKREUZ DES ORDENS VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER ERSTER STUFE BERLIN DEN 25 AUGUST 1942” (IN THE NAME OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE I GIVE TO THE REPORTER OF THE USTASCHA UNITS NIKOLA RAJKOVIC THE MERIT CROSS OF THE ORDER OF THE GERMAN EAGLE OF THE FIRST STAGE OF BERLIN ON 25 AUGUST 1942) signed by “DER FÜHRER” (THE LEADER) and “DER CHEF DER ORDENSKANZLEI STAATSMINISTER” (THE CHIEF OF THE ORDER CHANCE STATE MINISTER), embossed with a national eagle clutching a wreathed swastika within a wreath 240 mm (w) x 350 mm (h) and a studio portrait of Nikola Rajkovic, wearing a Croatian military hat, the reverse bears a blue stamp reading “STUDIO KOWILSKY ILICA 21 - TEL. 73-79”, rare, near mint.