Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, Grand Cross Breast Star, by Godet

(Verdienstorden vom Deutscher Adler, Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). Constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse overlaid by a central white enameled Maltese Cross with its arms joined together through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled backgrounds, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, with a raised barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a rounded catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “900”, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of highest-quality manufacture by the firm of Godet, Berlin, measuring 80.06 mm (w) x 80.00 mm (h), weighing 55.2 grams, an exceptional example in near mint condition.