Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Merit Cross with Swords and Case, Type 1 Archive constructed of bronze with partial

constructed of bronze with partial silvering

tab behind the buckle

a lateWWI period issue

and highly decorated with silk threading

Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Merit Cross with Swords and Case, Type 1 Archive constructed of bronze with partial(Verdienstkreuz III. Stufe des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1939 1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by gilded NSDAP style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the obverse overlaid across the three and nine oclock arms with