Order of the German Eagle Neck Cross and Star by 21

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Political and Civil > NSDAP

A 1937 Verdienstkreuz des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler mit dem Stern in Issue Case by Gebr. Godet & Co. of Berlin. The Order of Merit of the German Eagle, was instituted May 1st 1937, and was awarded by Hitler to foreign nationals who had made a meritorious contribution to the German Reich on the recommendation of the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both the star and sash cross are constructed out of die struck 900 silver content base that have been silver gilded and contains white enamel work all behind a protective lacquer coating. The obverse of both the neck cross and star features a Maltese style white cross that has four national eagles (Hoheitszeichen) between each arm of the cross. The star includes a six pointed emanating silver background. The reverse of the neck cross is the same as the obverse. The reverse of the star correctly features two rivets, a hinge, catch and pin assembly. Both pieces marked “900 21” (silver content designation | Gebr. Godet & Co. Berlin), the star is marked on the pin and the neck cross on the ring. The enamel is in wonderful condition. The star measures 65mm wide and tall. The neck cross measures 50mm wide and tall. The neck cross is attached to a 56cm long red, white and black rayon confection fitted ribbon that has two 24cm long red ribbon pieces. Both are housed in their appropriate issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a smooth red simulated leather. To the very top is a larger gold National eagle and an exterior thin line border. To the front is a gilded tombak closure clasps. To the back are two piano hinges that are covered in the simulated leather. The exterior shows scuffs, pressure marks and minor gilt loss. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of pressed cardboard that is covered in a thick black fibrous felt material. It has two round recessed portions for both awards and the underlying base for the ribbon. The interior top is constructed out of a pearl silk material with, in gold: “Ordens vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz mit Stern” in front of an underlying pad. The interior is in beautiful condition! The case measures approximately 160mm wide by 240mm deep and 35mm thick. A beautiful assembly! This was the second highest eagle order in 1937.