Germany, Third Reich. An Order Of The German Eagle, Silver Medal Of Merit With Swords, By The Vienna Mint United Republic of (1916-1928 Issue)

(1916-1928 Issue)

and pasted in place to a very thick cardboard backer

tarnished and worn

Badge in feinzinc

He began his career in the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) before the First World War

Germany, Third Reich. An Order Of The German Eagle, Silver Medal Of Merit With Swords, By The Vienna Mint United Republic of (1916-1928 Issue)(Orden vom Deutschen Adler, Silberne Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern). Instituted 1 May 1937. Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross, with its quadrants joined by NSDAP style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastika, the twelve oclock position bearing crossed swords, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of DEUTSCHE VERDIENST