Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Bronze Merit Medal
(Orden vom Deutschen Adler, Verdienstmedaille in Bronze). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross, with its arms joined together by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST MEDAILLE” (“GERMAN MERIT MEDAL”), unmarked, measuring 38.55 mm in diameter, weighing 19.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), most of the bronze finish has been lost, in overall very fine condition.

