German Eagle Order Medal w/Swords

Product Description: This German Eagle Order Medal w/Swords is an original example of a very scarce and desirable wartime award. The medal is made of a brass alloy, and is round, with a Maltese cross and four German eagle and swastika emblems on the obverse. The metal has taken on an attractive and rather deep patina with age, with dark toning in the recesses contrasting with golden shades at the high points. At the top of the medal, in front of the suspension ring, is a crossed swords device, indicating this piece was awarded for military merit. The back of this attractive medal also has an old, honest, uncleaned patina, matching the front. It is emblazoned with the wording “Deutsche Verdienst Medaille” (German Merit Medal) in Latin capital letters. The original suspension ring is intact, and is marked with the maker code “30” indicating manufacture bu Hauptmünzamt Wien, the Vienna mint. This German Eagle Order Medal w/Swords is complete with its original ribbon. The ribbon has the original pin-back clasp attachment stitched to the reverse, as it would have been issued. The ribbon is undamaged, with age toning that is a bit dark in some areas. Overall, this Eagle Order Medal is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Order of the German Eagle was established in May 1937. It was intended to supply a diplomatic order for award to foreign nationals. The Award consisted of five classes and a silver medal of merit. A unique class of the Grand Cross the German Eagle Order in Gold with Diamonds was presented to Benito Mussolini. In 1939, a few modifications were made to the design. Swords could be added to each award for military merit, the award was then approved for German nationals, and a special award of the Grand Cross in Gold was instituted. In 1943, the Order was reorganized into seven classes with both a silver and a bronze medal of merit. Three known manufacturers produced the awards, and two manufacturers produced the merit medals. Each manufacturer can be identified by the differentiating eagles mounted between the arms of the cross. Deschler & Sohn produced awards marked “900” and “Silber”. Earlier awards made by “Gebruder Godet & Co.” marked theirs with just “900”, and in 1943 changed to the “900” & “21” marks. C.F. Zimmerman produced awards marked “900” or are unmarked. Merit medals are marked either “835 Pr. Munze Berlin” or “835 Pr. Munze Wien”.

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