Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, I Class Merit Cross with Case, by Deschler & Sohn United Republic of In 1866 crossed swords were

In 1866 crossed swords were added to the grades conferred in recognition of military merit

the centre obverse presents a silvered arm wielding an axe

ROTHE WIEN

joined together at the bottom by a raised date of “1939” executed in blue enamels

Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, I Class Merit Cross with Case, by Deschler & Sohn United Republic of In 1866 crossed swords were(Orden vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz I. Stufe mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937 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 oclock arm topped by an eyelet and loop retaining a period original length of neck ribbon, the six oclock arm