1st Pattern - Cased 2nd Class Eagle Order 1937

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

1st Pattern - Verdienstkreuz des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler 2. Stufe im Etui 1937. The Order of Merit of the German Eagle, was instituted May 1st 1937 (Reorganized April 29th 1939 and December 27th 1943), and was awarded by Hitler predominantly to foreign nationals who had made a meritorious contribution to the German Reich on the recommendation of the Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs. The 2nd Class was awarded to the following ranks: Generalleutnant, Vizeadmiral, Generalmajor, Konteradmiral. It is constructed out of a multi-piece die struck 900 silver base that has been gold fire gilded, contains white enamel work and is finished in a lacquer coating. The obverse features a Maltese style white cross that has four national eagles (Hoheitszeichen) between each arm of the cross. The full back reverse has a soldered on block hinge with semi-circular plate, a c-shaped catch and a straight pin. The reverse is correctly marked “silber 900”. All of the components continue to work well. It measures 1 7/8 inches wide and tall. There is only minor age fading to the enamel. It has beautiful gilding and detail! The award comes housed in its 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 pressed line border. To the front is a ‘mushroom head’ style steel red enamel painted push button. To the back is are two piano hinges. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a thick black velvet. It has a round recessed portion for the award and hinge, pin and catch assembly. The interior top is constructed out of a pearl silk material with, in gold foil: “Verdienstkreuz II. Stufe des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler” behind an underlying pad. It is in beautiful condition. The case measures approximately 4 1/8 inches wide and deep and 1 inch thick. A beautiful assembly, available for you today!