Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, Grand Cross with Swords Set with Case, by Gebrüder Godet

(Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, Großkreuz mit Bruststern und Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943-1945 issue). A rare and superb Grand Cross with Swords set of the Order of the German Eagle, including:

1 A Grand cross, constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by gilded NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the obverse three and nine o’clock arms overlaid by a pair of gilded crossed swords, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension and eyelet culminating in a suspension ring, in turn connecting to a period original full-length sash ribbon, the suspension loop stamped with a silver content number of “900” and LDO code “L/50” indicating a privately-purchased piece produced by the noted firm of Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 60.19 mm (w) x 67.40 mm (h), weighing 40.3 grams, minor flecking and surface scratching is visible to the enamels, worn condition, in overall 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” and LDO code “L/50” indicating a privately-purchased piece produced by the noted firm of Gebrüder Godet, Berlin, measuring 80.68 mm (w) x 80.77 mm (h), weighing 55.2 grams, demonstrating minor wear and 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”), 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 gilded magnetic metal snap buttons, unmarked, measuring 20.5 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (l) x 4.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the exterior of the case, in near extremely fine condition.