Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, III Class Cross with Case, by Gebrüder Godet

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Kreuz III. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939-1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with 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 with a fan suspension and integral loop retaining a suspension ring accommodating an original full-length neck ribbon, the suspension loop bearing a silver content number of “900”, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 50.35 mm (w) x 58.67 mm (h), weighing 30.2 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a gilt inscription of “VERDIENSTKREUZ I. STUFE DES ORDENS VOM DEUTSCHEN ADLER”, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 14 cm (w) x 18 cm (l) x 3 cm (h), minor flecking is visible to the enamels of the decoration while the exterior of the case demonstrates moderate material fatigue, in overall near extremely fine condition.