Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the rather rare Order of the German Eagle Award in the Third Class with Swords, complete with the original presentation case. The Order of Merit of the German Eagle was an award of the German NSDAP regime, predominantly to foreign diplomats. The Order was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf H. It ceased to be awarded following the collapse of NSDAP Germany at the end of World War II in Europe.

The Cross is based on the Maltese Cross with German Eagles at each corner carrying a swas. For military recipients the Order also featured crossed swords. The cross was suspended from a 46 mm red ribbon with stripes in black, red and white. The award, in the first two classes, also came in the form of a silver or gold eight pointed star, with corresponding white Maltese Cross and gold eagles centered. The overall appearance and name of the Order resembled the Prussian Order of the Black Eagle, Order of the Red Eagle and Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg).

Our example is pretty much textbook, and is the 3rd Class Award with Swords, indicating that the recipient was a member of the military. The ribbon has been correctly folded and placed through the hanger ring, and then secured by some threads on the rear. It also has had a hanger clip installed so it could be attached to any type of clothing. The only marking we can find on the award is the letter L on the top of the bolster for the hanger ring, which we have unfortunately not been able to identify.

The cross is in very good condition, showing only light wear from age and use. The only notable deficiency is some chipping / cracking on the enamel of one of the arms on the front of the cross. We usually see these looking nearly unissued, so it's good to see one that actually looks to have been awarded and worn.

The case itself is covered in red leatherette, and has the NSDAP Reichsadler in gold on the outside of the lid. The inside has a black velvet style bottom to hold the award and the ribbon, and the top is lined with white satin type material, and has the following marking in gold paint:

Verdienstkreuz III.Stufe
des
Ordens vom Deutschen Adler

This basically translates into "Cross of Merit 3rd Class of the Order of the German Eagle". The case is in great shape, with a functional hinge and front catch.

A great example of a rare German diplomatic award, complete in its original case and ready to display! These do not surface that often, and when they do they disappear again, so you do not want to miss the opportunity to add this one to your collections.

The Order of Merit of the German Eagle was a diplomatic and honorary award given to prominent foreigners, particularly diplomats. In addition to awards to non-Germans, the Reich Foreign Minister and the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia received a 'Special Degree' (Sonderstufe), with identical insignia to the Grand Cross of the Order. Accordingly, Foreign Minister Constantin von Neurath, received the Special Degree of the Order, with a further award to Joachim von Ribbentrop on his appointment as Foreign Minister in 1938. In 1943 Dr. Wilhelm Frick received the Special Degree after becoming Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia.

The Cross is based on the Maltese Cross with German Eagles at each corner carrying a swas. For military recipients the Order also featured crossed swords. The cross was suspended from a 46 mm red ribbon with stripes in black, red and white. The award, in the first two classes, also came in the form of a silver or gold eight pointed star, with corresponding white Maltese Cross and gold eagles centered. The overall appearance and name of the Order resembled the Prussian Order of the Black Eagle, Order of the Red Eagle and Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg).

From 1937 to 1943 the Order was presented in six classes:

- Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle with star (Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens)
- Order of the German Eagle with Star (Deutscher Adlerorden mit Stern)
- Order of the German Eagle 1st Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Erste Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 2nd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Zweite Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 3rd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Dritte Stufe)
- German Medal of Merit (Deutsche Verdienstmedaille)

A unique Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the German Eagle in Gold with Diamonds (Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens in Gold und Brillanten) was also awarded to Benito Mussolini on 25 September 1937.

On 27 December 1943 the Order was reorganised into nine classes:

- Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle in Gold with Star (Goldenes Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle with Star (Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens)
- Order of the German Eagle 1st Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Erste Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 2nd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Zweite Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 3rd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Dritte Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 4th Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Vierte Stufe)
- Order of the German Eagle 5th Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Fünfte Stufe)
- Silver Medal of Merit (Silberne Verdienstmedaille)
- Bronze Medal of Merit (Bronzene Verdienstmedaille)