Order of the German Eagle Silver Medal of Merit with Swords

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

Here we have a 1943 pattern Order of the German Eagle Silver Medal of Merit with Swords. It was awarded predominantly to foreign nationals who were considered sympathetic to Nazism and was also awarded to German citizens for military and civil services. It is constructed out of a die struck 885 silver base that has been silver washed. The round shaped obverse depicts a centrally placed embossed Maltese style cross, with four national eagles to each corner of the cross. The reverse reads: “Deutsche Verdienst Medaille” (German Merit-Medal). The edge it is maker marked and silver content designated “Münzamt Wien A 835”. To the top of the award is two crossed broad swords that are soldered to the loop and ring. Attached to the ring is approximately 4 inches of folded red, black and white rayon ribbon. Stitched to the top of the ribbon is a tombak based bronze washed well-working pin. It measures approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. What a cool looking award!