Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, II Class Cross with Case, by Deschler & Sohn

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz IV. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. Type I, circa 1937-38 period issue. Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with white enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by finely-detailed first pattern NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastika on a white enameled background, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “935”, measuring 48.19 mm (w) x 48.12 mm (h), weighing 29.7 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt embossed German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “ORDEN VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER VERDIENSTKREUZ 2. STUFE”, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 105 mm (w) x 105 mm (l) x 28 mm (h), secreted within the case is a fascist-era Italian calling card to “TITO MEUCCI”, a departmental minister to the King of Italy, indicating a possible recipient of the decoration, a superb set in overall extremely fine condition. Type I of this order by Deschler is very scarce, especially in this Class.