Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Merit Cross with Swords and Case, Type 1 Province of China A Maltese Cross with ball

A Maltese Cross with ball finials constructed of gilded silver

One without writing on reverse

measuring 100 mm wide x 260 mm in length

with the Pillars of Hercules in the open red fields of the standard

Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, III Class Merit Cross with Swords and Case, Type 1 Province of China A Maltese Cross with ball(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