Cased 1st Class Order of the German Eagle by Godet

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

A 1st Class Order of the German Eagle (Deutsche Adlerorden 1. Klasse) Sash and Eight Point Star 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 sash cross and star features a Maltese style white cross that has four national eagles (Hoheitszeichen) between each arm of the cross. The star includes an eight pointed emanating background. The reverse of the sash 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 sash cross on the ring. The sash cross has some enamel damage to the right side of the bottom arm on both the front and back. The star measures 80mm wide and tall. The sash cross measures 50mm wide and tall. The sash cross is attached to a 185cm long red, white and black rayon bow tie sash. 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 gold National eagle and an exterior thin line border. To the front are two gilded tombak/steel 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 two pieces of pressed cardboard that are covered in a thick black fibrous felt material. It has a separate removable portion with 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: “Deutscher Adlerorder 1 Klasse” in front of an underlying pad. The interior is in beautiful condition! The case measures approximately 192mm wide by 280 mm deep and 47mm thick. This came with a signed postcard of Japanese Ambassador Oshima who is wearing an eight point star. This was sold by Helmut Weitze back in 2012. I feel privileged to own this piece.