Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, Grand Cross Set with Case by Godet, to an Italian Recipient

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Großkreuz mit Bruststern und Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. A rare Order of the German Eagle Grand Cross presentation set, featuring:

1. A sash cross, constructed silver with gilt and enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension culminating in an eyelet and ring retaining a period original full-length sash ribbon, the suspension loop stamped with a silver content number of “900”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 59.04 mm (w) x 66.00 (h), weighing 39.5 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, bearing a central white enameled Maltese Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the obverse cross in position, with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “900”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 79.98 mm (w) x 80.41 mm (h), weighing 53.4 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

3. A presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilded NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “GROSSKREUZ DES ORDENS VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER” (“GRAND CROSS OF THE ORDER OF THE GERMAN EAGLE”), also pinned with a card stock card issued by the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy, bearing a handwritten inscription of “TEDESCA” (“GERMAN”), likely indicating issue to a prominent member of the Italian legislature, the lower chamber lined with black velvet and consisting of a hollow void for the storage of the sash ribbon, featuring a retractable black velvet medal bed with two depressions custom-fitted for the storage of both the cross and star, fastening closed with two functional bronze snap buttons, unmarked, measuring 20.5 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (l) x 4.5 cm (h), a crack is visible through the length of the centre of the lid and the exterior demonstrates additional material fatigue, in very fine condition.