Rare original cased German Eagle Order 1. Stufe (Deutscher Adlerorden) or 'Verdienstkreuz I. Stufe des Ordens vom Deutschen Adler'. The Order of the German Eagle was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf Hitler. It was a diplomatic and honorary award given to prominent foreigners, particularly diplomats, who were considered sympathetic to Nazism. The Cross is based on the Maltese Cross with German Eagles at each corner carrying a swastika. The cross is made of gilded '900' silver. This is an early example which is only marked with '900' on the small ring. There is no enamel damage and the details on this medal are simply stunning. The neck cross is complete with it's original 30cms long, 41mm wide, ribbon. The cross comes in it's large red coloured box of issue. The box is showing a gilt imprinted eagle on top, the box is showing some normal small damages and usage on the corners and is in overall very good condition. Desirable original set!