Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Cross, Type 1 by Deschler & Sohn

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Kreuz III. Klasse). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937-1939 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 discs, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon with a horizontal pinback, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of an early Type 1 piece produced by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 43.68 mm (w) x 44.42 mm (h), weighing 27.5 grams, small chips are visible to the obverse three and nine o’clock arms, with several fine cracks evident to nine o’clock arm continuing towards the centre, an uncommon example in very fine condition.