Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, I Class Cross with Case, by Gebrüder Godet & Co.

(Orden vom Deutschen Adler, I. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, with each quadrant joined together by a gilt NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika on a white enameled background, the twelve o’clock arm with a ribbed fan transitioning to an integral loop, in turn bearing a ribbed suspension ring connecting to a period original neck ribbon, the integral loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “21” for Gebrüder Godet & Co., Berlin, and a silver content number of “900”, measuring 50.48 mm (w) x 58.43 mm (h), weighing 25.6 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior, the lid bearing a gilt embossed German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, with a gilded border, the interior with a white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “VERDIENSTKREUZ I. STUFE DES ORDENS VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER”, with a depressed and slotted black velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal snap button and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 140 mm (w) x 180 mm (l) x 35 mm (h), minor loss of gilt is evident to the cross along with some material fatigue of the case, in overall near extremely fine condition.