Issue Packet - German Eagle Order Medal of Merit in Bronze with Swords

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

Matching - 2nd Pattern (1943-45) - Deutsche Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern in Bronze mit der Papiertüte by 30 - Hauptmünzamt of Wien. Instituted May 1, 1937, (Reorganized April 29, 1939, and again on December 27, 1943), The Order of Merit of the German Eagle, was and was awarded to foreign nationals who had made a meritorious contribution to the German Reich on the recommendation of the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs. It is constructed out of die struck zinc base that has been bronze washed. The round shaped obverse features a Maltese style cross that has four national eagles (Hoheitszeichen) between each of the crosses arms on a smooth round background. The reverse reads, in Latin script: “Deutsche Verdienstemedaille” on a smooth background. To the top is a soldered-on loop with crossed broad swords soldered to it and the medal (obverse), and has a ring that is maker marked “30” (Hauptmünzamt, Wien). The ring holds a red, white and black rayon ribbon that has a stitched on well working brass pin assembly, that remain in well working condition. Beautiful bronze wash remains. The award measures 1 ½ inches in diameter. It comes with its original issue paper packet. The obverse reads: “For Dad.” (hand written) above “Deutsche Bronze Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern” in Gothic style script. The reverse reads: “Hauptmünzamt Wein III”. It measures 2 5/16 inches wide by 4 3/16 inches tall. A beautiful assembly.

To note: Preußische Staatsmünze, Berlin - PKZ 29 was used until 1941, it then changed to Hauptmünzamt – which used both PKZ 29 and PKZ 30. This packet was hand stamped “Bronze” to the obverse, “Preußische Staatsmünze, Berlin” was removed and they stamped in “Hauptmünzamt Wein III”. This type frugality was used much more prevalent back then. Often used when regulations or award criteria changed. One example that comes to mind is when the West Wall Medal was re-issued in October 10, 1944. F. Orth simply glued a piece of paper with “Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen” over the Russian Front “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)” script. See here: THE Textbook Example - West Wall Medal by L15 in Packet. A neat feature. Completely original and clearly done in the period.