German Awards - Order of Merit from the German Order of the Breast Star to the Cross of Merit

The breast star depicted here belongs to the cross of merit and is identical to the breast star of the 2nd class since 1943.
Chest stars for the Order of Merit to the German Eagle were awarded only to the upper classes. The upper classes, such as the Grand Cross and since 1943 the 1st class, had thoracic stars with an 8-beam star body. The Cross of Merit (1937-1943) since 1943 of the 2nd class had a chest star with a 6-beam star body. Since 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, classes have also been awarded swords.
For the assignment of individual classes, the rank or service rank was decisive. 2nd class was awarded to persons with the rank of lieutenant general, vice admiral, major general or rear admiral. For civilians, the directive applied: to the councils of lecturers, the councils of ministers, the councils of the legions, the highest government councils, or to outstanding professors.
On May 1, 1937, the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler established the Order of Merit for the German Eagle (since 1943). Foreign citizens who earned money from the German Empire were awarded. Reich Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath made proposals (from 4.2.1938 Joachim von Ribbentrop). The order had 5 degrees: Grand Cross, Cross of Merit with a star as a neck decoration, Cross of Merit 1. Level also as neck decoration, cross of merit 2. The Meritorious Service Cross and 3rd Class Meritorious Service Cross are attached to the ribbon with a silver meritorious service medal. On April 20, 1939, a special degree of the Grand Cross was established in gold. 8 awards are known. At the same time, swords were awarded for military merits. The last change occurred on December 27, 1943. The order was reclassified in 1943, renamed the German Order of the Eagle and supplemented with a bronze medal "For Merit." Now it consisted of 5 classes (previously 3 tiers), a large cross, 1st class with a breast star (8 rays), 2nd class with a breast star (6 rays), 3rd class (like 2. class without breast star), 4th class (pin cross), 5th class on ribbon and silver and bronze medals "For Merit."
Awarding took place on the principle of reciprocity. For political and other reasons, the following were removed from the award: the Soviet Union, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Norway, USA, Switzerland, Ireland, Great Britain, France and states with unofficial missions. The first samples were manufactured by Godet, Berlin. The manufacturer was then first Deumer, Lüdenscheid. The author of the project is Professor Klein. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen before 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

Six-pointed, slightly curved from silver breast star. Cradle fastened with 2 hollow rivets, gilded and enameled order cross. Star body with 6 long main rays. Between them there are 6 intermediate beams graduated to the center. All rays with side, shortened frames. The reverse is smooth and silvery. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.

Front side:

• The laid order cross is gilded with silver.
• The cruciform arms are maroon golden and enameled white.
• Between the cross sleeves is accordingly a golden imperial eagle facing the left with its wings lowered.
There is
• an oak wreath in the catches. In the white center is a swastika placed on top.

Downside:

• Smooth and silver. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook.
In
• the center - SILVER - and - 900 -.

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