(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Kreuz II. Klasse/III. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled background, the obverse overlaid across the three and nine o’clock arm with a gilded sword clasp, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a ribbed fan with an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original neck ribbon, the integral loop marked with a silver content number of “900” and LDO code of “L/50” indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 50.40 mm (w) x 58.84 mm (h), weighing 28.6 grams, minor discolouration is evident to the enamel of the arms and moderate fatigue is visible to the ribbon, in overall near mint condition.