Germany, Third Reich. A German Social Welfare Decoration, I Class Cross

(Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege, Kreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 1 May 1939. (1939-1944 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross, the obverse with white enameled arms, overlaid by a central black enameled German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, with feathering and details highlighted in gilt, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral ring and suspension loop, in turn connecting to a ribbed oak leaf suspension retaining a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 52.88 mm (w) x 57.54 mm (h), weighing 34.8 grams, a superb example in extremely fine condition.