Order of the German Eagle Neck Cross and Star with Swords by L/50

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

A 1939 Verdienstkreuz mit Stern des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler mit Schwertern in Issue Case by L/50 - Gebr. Godet & Co. of Berlin. Rare to find these LDO marked and you can tell the quality that went into them. The Order of Merit of the German Eagle with Swords, was instituted April 29th 1939, 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. This would have likely been awarded to a foreign military General. Both the star and sash cross are constructed out of die struck 900 silver content base that have been gold fire gilded and contains white enamel work all behind a protective lacquer coating. The obverse of both the neck cross and star features two cross broad swords in front of 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, without the swords. The reverse of the star correctly features two rivets, a hinge, catch and pin assembly. Both pieces marked “900 L/50” (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. One minor bend to the loop. The star measures 65mm wide and tall. The neck cross measures 50mm wide and tall. The neck cross is attached to a small bit of confection fitted ribbon and comes with an additional 35mm long piece. This is exactly how I got it. 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: “Verdienstkreuz mit Stern des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler mit Schwertern” in front of an underlying pad. The interior is in beautiful condition! The exterior shows many scuffs and ageing. The case measures approximately 160mm wide by 240mm deep and 35mm thick. Extremely rare to find these private purchased especially with the matching case!