(Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen I. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 30 January 1938. (1938-1945 issue). Constructed of fire-gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with a horizontal pinback, consisting of a Geneva Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by a circular ring bearing an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM FEUER-LÖSCHWESEN” (“FOR MERIT IN FIRE-FIGHTING”), the obverse of the cross featuring white enameled arms bearing stylized red enameled flames, overlaid by a central white enameled disc featuring a black mobile swastika with gilded and blackened rings, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the exterior of the lid framed with a gilt border, the interior with padded white rayon lid liner and partially-intact hinge cover, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 65 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with some fraying visible to the hinge cover, a scarce and exceptionally high-quality example of the decoration in near mint condition.
Footnote: An exceptionally rare distinction, this decoration is one of only six known examples.