Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Germany, Third Reich, Merit Order of the German Eagle, 1943-45 issue, 1st Class set of insignia, sash badge, 50 x 50mm., silver-gilt and enamel, with ‘frosted silver’ eagles, suspension ring stamped ‘900’ and ‘21’; breast star, 80mm., silver, silver-gilt and enamel, pin stamped, ‘900’ and ‘21’, with full sash ribbon, in (scuffed) case of issue, insignia extremely fine (2) £4000-5000

The Merit Order of the German Eagle was instituted in 1937 and was awarded in five classes together with an associated medal. In December 1943 the grading of the Order was completely revised and was awarded in seven classes with two associated medals. The first three classes of the revised Order consisted of ‘sash’ insignia: the Grand Cross of the German Eagle in Gold; the Grand Cross of the German Eagle and the Order of the German Eagle 1st Class. The 1st Class differed from the class immediately above by having a slightly smaller badge, 50mm. instead of 60mm., by the badge having frosted silver eagles instead of completely gilded eagles, and it was awarded with a special sash ribbon having an additional central white stripe.