(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, I. Klasse). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each quadrant of the cross inset with 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 suspension and integrated loop connecting to an elongated ring with a period original length of neck ribbon, the integral ring marked on the reverse with a silver content number of “900”, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Gebrüder Godet & Co., Berlin, measuring 50.36 mm (w) x 58.59 mm (h), weighing 27.0 grams, with minor flecking of enamels evident, an otherwise exceptionally well-preserved piece in extremely fine condition.

