Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, by the Prussian Mint

(Deutsche Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern in Silber). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a central raised Maltese Cross, with its quadrants joined by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas, the reverse bearing an inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST-MEDAILLE” in Fraktur script, topped by a crossed swords clasp, the edge marked with a crescent moon indicating German manufacture, a silver content number of “835”, and an inscription of “PR. MÜNZE BERLIN” for the Prussian State Mint in Berlin, measuring 38.02 mm (w) x 45.35 mm (h), weighing 22.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.