| Place | Europe: Germany |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30335A |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Glass enamel, Silver |
| Maker |
Godet und Sohne |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Order of the German Eagle : Second Class breast star
Description
Order of the German Eagle, Second Class breast star. Obverse: A 43 mm white enamel Maltese cross with gilded German eagles with folded wings between the arms, carrying a swastika in their talons, set on a silver six pointed sunray star. Reverse: Plain with a large vertical brooch pin. Stamped 900 21.
History / Summary
The Order of the German Eagle (Orden vom Deutschen Adler) was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf Hitler. It was awarded with swords to military personnel and without swords to civilians and to deserving 'friendly' foreigners, including diplomats. In December 1943 the Order was restructured from six classes to nine. The breast star is worn in conjunction with a neck badge. This medal is part of a collection of Second World War German orders and decorations acquired by Flight Lieutenant K G Hesketh, RAAF Historical Records Section, who was based in London but who made a number of visits to Germany immediately after the Second World War.