M-018a
Cased German Eagle Order First Class (Without Swords) [Verdienstkreuz I. Stufe
des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler]; Marked 21 (Godet)
One of the Reich’s most impressive awards, this First Class
Eagle Order without Swords is in very good overall condition, with only a light
puckering to the white enamel surface visible under magnification (only). There
are some tiny casting pits to the gilded surfaces – again only visible under
magnification. The finish has toned quite a bit, and the eagles between each
cross arm have a rich dark patina; the scalloped fan at the top of the cross
maintains most of its bright gold finish. Permanently affixed to the fan is a
gilt suspension ring, incised with the maker number “21” – which
identified the renowned Berlin firm of Gebrüder Godet (Godet Brothers) and the
silver content of “900”. Interestingly enough, the tip of one of the
scallops on one side of the fan is incise stamped with the number “8” –
perhaps the number of the craftsman who finished up this award? A ribbed gilt
jump ring loop is connected to the suspension ring; the loop has a slight crease
on one side, but this is barely noticeable. The Eagle Order awards were intended
for use as a National level decoration that could be bestowed upon statesmen or
other prominent persons in friendly countries. The First Class level of the
German Eagle Order was worn at the throat, suspended from a ribbon and this
award in fact, has the full, distinctive red white and black neck ribbon,
gathered into a bunch where it passes through the loop. The ribbon is spotless
and culminates in tie strings at each end. The award and ribbon are housed in a
red leatherette case with an embossed political eagle (gold ink) on the cover.
The bird has a wingspan measuring about 4.75” (top to bottom just over
2.5”). There is also a gold pinstripe border. The case has a liftable flat
nickel/silver latch plate that secures over a rectangular peg button. The case
exterior has some scuffing to some edges, a minor scrape or two, and some minor
soiling. The leatherette strip over the hinge is in excellent condition, and the
overall exterior is very good. The interior white satin lid lining is very good,
printed in the center (in gold) with the name of the award: “Verdienstkreuz
1. Stufe des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler” (Service Cross First Class of the
Order of the German Eagle). The two-section black velvet faced bottom is also in
fine condition, with a small marking or two to the velvet within the ribbon well
(in the top section of the case bottom; the lower section is raised level with
the case edge with a circular recess for the award). Extremely collectible.
$3,900.00
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Item M-018a
