German Eagle Order Medal w/o Swords

Product Description: This German Eagle Order Medal w/o Swords is in excellent condition. Emblazoned on the obverse of this attractive medal is a Maltese cross, with German national eagle and swastika emblems flanking it at each corner. It’s made of a brass alloy, with a heavy feel. The front of this medal shows an old, honest, uncleaned patina, and only very slight wear. The reverse has a matching, dark patina, with “Deutsche Verdienstmedaille” (German Merit Medal) in Gothic lettering. The suspension ring is intact and original, with no manufacture marking on the ring. This German Eagle Order Medal w/o Swords is complete with its original ribbon. The ribbon has a functional clasp attachment stitched to the top of the reverse, as it would have been issued. The ribbon remains crisp and clean, with minor age toning. Overall, this is a nice, all original example of a desirable award, that is not commonly encountered.

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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