German Eagle Order, Grand Cross with Swords

SKU: 02.GTR.0101.203.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Grand Cross with Swords Obverse
  • Grand Cross with Swords Obverse
  • Grand Cross with Swords Reverse
  • Grand Cross with Swords Obverse
  • Grand Cross with Swords Detail

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    May 1, 1937
  • remarks
    There is no difference in name for the 1937/39 version compared to the 1943 version of the Grand Cross with Swords. The Grand Cross with Swords features a ribbon sash with a width of 100mm. Zimmermann and Godet are the primary manufacturers of the German Eagle Order. The awards manufactured by Zimmermann are of a lower level of quality than the awards manufactured by Godet. This difference in quality is reflected in lower prices for Zimmermann awards from the German Eagle Order, than the prices for Godet awards. Generally speaking, there is no difference in price between a piece with a ring suspension compared to a piece with a fan suspension.

History


The Order was instituted by Adolf Hitler on May 1, 1937, as an honorary award conferred upon notable foreigners, particularly diplomats, who were considered sympathetic to the Nazi Regime and its ideals. However, in later years several German citizens were among the ones being awarded the Order.

There were official amendments made to the Order laws on April 10, 1939, and December 27, 1943. In the 1939 amendment, swords were added as a possible award attribute for military personnel. In 1943, the Order was expanded from six classes to nine classes. The names were changed as well, which often results in a certain level of confusion among those unfamiliar with the Order. Between 1937 and 1943, the Order was awarded in different grades, while this was changed to classes in 1943.

The suspension attachments of the Order also changed over time. From 1937 to 1939, the awards were attached to the suspension by a ring, and from 1939 to 1945, the awards were attached to the suspension by a fan. Since these were only introduced in 1939, all awards with swords feature the fan suspenders.

Citizens from countries that did not confer orders upon Germans did not receive the German Eagle Order. These were, for example, USSR, Poland, Lithuania, Czechoslovakia, and Norway.

As a rough guideline, certain ranks were expected to receive certain medal grades: Ministers, Ambassadors and commanding Generals often received the Grand Cross, General Lieutenants often received the Merit Cross with Star, Colonels often received the Merit Cross I Class, Majors often received the Merit Cross II class, Captains often received the Merit Cross III Class, and non-Officers often received the Merit Medal. However, this guideline was eventually changed.

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Versions

  • Price

    $15,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

  • Size

    60mm

  • Maker

    Gebrüder Godet & Co., Berlin

  • Version Remarks

    This award is scarce.

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