Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, by the Vienna Mint Auction Archive reverse embossed (PENALTY FOR MISUSE

reverse embossed (PENALTY FOR MISUSE 500 DOLLARS OR SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT) and engraved (35414)

unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of variant produced by an unknown manufacturer

much hand stitched

the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension with an integral loop and ring retaining a period original ribbon

He is credited with 135 confirmed aerial victories

Germany, Third Reich. An Order of the German Eagle, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, by the Vienna Mint Auction Archive reverse embossed (PENALTY FOR MISUSE(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