Germany, DRK. A Merit Cross of the German Red Cross, Type III, with Case

(Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Roten Kreuz, Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted 6 April 1937 by Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. (1937-1939 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a vaulted Geneva Cross, the obverse with white enameled arms, overlaid by a central Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) insignia in the form of a German national eagle executed in black enamel with gilt featuring, overlaid by a red Geneva Cross on a red wield and clutching a wreathed mobile swastika in its talons, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked, measuring 51.77 mm (w) x 51.74 mm (h), weighing 34.2 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid framed with a gilt border, the interior with a padded blue rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 75 mm (w) x 75 mm (w) x 25 mm (h), some flecking is evident to the enamels of the cross and the case demonstrates minor material fatigue, a scarce decoration in near extremely fine condition.