Description
Deutscher Adlerorden – Verdienstkreuz II. Stufe.
Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler instituted the Order of Merit of the German Eagle / Deutscher Adlerorden on May 1, 1937. This award was created to honor foreign nationals who had rendered outstanding services to the German Reich. The Reich Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Konstantin Freiherr von Neurath and from February 4, 1938 Joachim von Ribbentrop, made suggestions for the order.
The order had 5 levels: 1 Großkreuz/Grandcross, 2 Verdienstkreuz mit Stern/ Merit Cross with Star as neck decoration, 3 Verdienstkreuz 1. Stufe/Merit Cross 1st Level also as neckdecoration, 4 Verdienstkreuz 2. Stufe/Merit Cross 2nd Level also as breastcross, and 5 the Verdienstkreuz 3. Stufe on ribbon with the silver Merit Medal.
On April 20, 1939, the special level of the Grand Cross in gold was instituted. 8 awards are known. At the same time the swords were donated for war merit. The last change took place on December 27, 1943. The order was redistributed in 1943 and the bronze medal of merit was added. Now it consisted of 5 classes (previously 3 levels), Grand Cross, 1st class with breast star (8 rays), 2nd class with breast star (6 rays), 3rd class (like 2nd class without breast star), 4th class ( Steckkreuz), 5th grade on ribbon and silver and bronze merit medal.
The here offered “Verdienstkreuz II. Stufe” is an early piece from the 1930’s as can clearly be seen by it’s name (which is also on the case): II. Stufe (second Class!), which was the early and first name. On the needle is a “900” silver stamp. There is no maker mark, but the cross was made by maker Deumer from Lüdenscheid.
The here for sale 2nd level cross, was awarded to government councilors, professors, majors and corvette captains and comparable positions. The medal was not awarded but was an official badge. The award was based on the principle of reciprocity. The following states were excluded from the award for political and other reasons: Soviet Union, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Norway, USA, Switzerland, Ireland, Great Britain, France and states with unofficial representations. The Godet company, Berlin, produced the first piecs. The manufacturer was initially the Deumer company from Lüdenscheid. The design comes from Prof. Klein.
The cross comes in it’s original case which is very rare to find as well. Both cross and case are in good condition!
Very hard to find!
