Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, by the Vienna Mint Republic of late 1930’s manufacture

late 1930’s manufacture

marked “W” for “Wagner & Sohn” on the bottom of the six o’clock arm

measuring 51 mm (w) x 55

Pratt with a strength of 21 officers and 665 other ranks

HQ Fifth Army

Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, by the Vienna Mint Republic of late 1930’s manufacture(Deutsche Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern in Silber). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1943 1945 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas, topped by a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing an inscription of DEUTSCHE VERDIENST