Original Item: Only One Available: The Order of Merit of the German Eagle (Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler) was an award of the German NSDAP regime, a diplomatic and honorary award given predominantly to prominent foreigners, particularly diplomats, who were considered sympathetic to the NSDAP. The Order was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf H, and awarded until the end of the war in 1945.

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 award was offered in six degrees from 1937-1943, and in 9 degrees from 1943-1945. This version was originally the German Medal of Merit (Deutsche Verdienstmedaille), but after 1943 became the Silver Medal of Merit (Silberne Verdienstmedaille), both part of the Order of the German Eagle. The rim of the medal is marked 835 PR. MÜNZE BERLIN, the hallmark of the Official State Mint, Pr. Münze, Berlin, with "835" indicating the silver content. 

The medal has the usual marking on the back: Deutsche Verdienst- Medaille, and comes complete with the correct ribbon, with a nice pin catch on top. This example comes in its original case which is in good condition minus the catch button missing. The case measures 4½ x 3 x ¾”. The interior is felt-lined with the interior lid reading Deutsche Verdienstmedailie.

These medals are quite rare, especially in their original case, and will make a very attractive addition to any German WWII collection.