Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the rather rare Order of the German Eagle Award in the Zweite Stufe (2nd 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. Depending on the class, the cross would suspended from a 46 mm red ribbon with stripes in black, red and white. The 1st class was a Neck Order, while the 2nd class was a pinback design without a ribbon. The award, in thetwo highest 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 2nd Class Award with Swords, indicating that the recipient was a member of the military. It is in the correct pinback configuration, which can be attached to any type of clothing. Overall condition is excellent, showing some lovely matured tarnishing.

The award is properly marked on the back of the pin with a 900 and 21. The 900 is the “purity” mark or silver content (.900) and the 21 is the Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) stamp for Gebrüder Godet & Co. of Berlin. This is the oldest order/jewelry firm in Germany, known for making every German order and insignia from around the world.

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:

Deutscher Adlerorden
II. Stufe
mit Schwertern

This basically translates into "Order of the German Eagle - 2nd Class with Swords". The case is in great shape, with a functional hinge and front catch. There is just a bit of light wear on the exterior. The original tissue paper is also inside, which prevents the award from staining the top of the case.

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)