WW2 German Silver Merit Medal of the German Eagle. Die struck example, with ‘fraktur script’, lightly toned, stamped to rim 835 PR MUNZE BERLIN. Mounted ribbon, lacking pin back. Medal comes in its gilt eagle embossed carmine card and inner black velvet two-piece award case. Scarce.

The Order of Merit of the German Eagle was a diplomatic and honorary award given to prominent foreigners, particularly diplomats. It was created by Adolf Hitler on 1st May 1937, based on a personal request of Foreign Minister Dr. Meissner. All initially awarded decorations followed a manufacturer released, specific design until the first modification of the order’s statutes on 20th April 1939, which added a Military Division with Crossed Swords. The order as well as the medal was manufactured by Deschler & Sohn in Munich. It is assumed that a slight design changed occurred at or before 20th April 1939, with the change to its final manufacturer, Godet in Berlin. The medals were now coined at either the Berlin or the Vienna Mint. 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 Ribbbentrop 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.