Order of the German Eagle - Miniature

[jwburchell]

Gentlemen:

Here is what I believe to be a miniature of the 1939 Merit Cross of the Order of the German Eagle, 3rd Class (or, the 1943, 5th Class, which is identical in design).

The miniature measures 15.7mm across and 19.2mm high (including the fastening loop which is attached to and forms part of the "fan" at the top).

The ribbon measures 15.5mm across.
I am unsure as to what is the significance of the round piece of ribbon affixed to the medal ribbon. Can someone please explain?

Also, the round ring which passes through the ribbon and the smaller round loop is made from a single piece of metal wire, but doubled, something which I have not seen before on the regulation-sized medals of this sort. I would appreciate comments on this feature, as well.

There are no maker marks.

Based upon the scans of obverse and reverse, comments and opinions on this miniature - which belongs to a collector friend and which may be offered for sale - would be greatly appreciated. If the price is right, I would like to add this piece to my collection.

Can anyone say what one might expect to pay for such an item?

Thanks, in advance.

John

[jwburchell]

Reverse view:

[Ed.Anderson,Jr.]

Value EO Mini

Hi John, The last one that I saw sell was at Butterfield and Buterfield in 1998.
It was in a Jewlers box marked to a Swedish Jewler the ribbon did not have a
roset but did have a button mount. It went for $350.00 Ed.

[Gerd Becker]

Hello John,

i think, 350-400 Euros would be a fair price today. Its either a 5. class or maybe even a higher grade, 3. or 2. class. Its a good one IMO. They are hard to find as a mini, at least here in Germany.

best,
Gerd

[jwburchell]

Thanks to Ed & Gerd for the pricing information. Any comments from you or other members out there regarding the significance of the "rosette" mounted on the ribbon, also the doubled wire retaining ring and originality of same? This will be very helpful clarification prior to purchasing. Regards, John

[Peter J.]

Hi John.

That´s a really nice cross .

As for the "buttoniere" on the ribbon I believe it´s to signify
the commander´s class (1 cl. 1939, 3 cl. 1943).

On the following bar you´ll notice the 3rd and 4th class of the
Liberty crosses are void of buttonieres.

I´m not 100% sure about this, but if I´m wrong I´ll probably
be corrected . Riiick, where are you?

KR
Peter

[Jens]

Hallo Peter


Nice collection

The collection must have been issued to a norwegian becasue of the listing of decorations. The danish decoration is the commander of the knights cross

best Jens

[Gerd Becker]

Very nice bar, Peter!

best,
gerd

[Peter J.]

Thanks guys .

John, I have no intention to take over our thread and I only used my
own bar to illustrate what I said. You have a lovely piece . But I felt
the urge to persuade this thread after I´d got some additional information
from Jani. Appearently this bar isn´t 100% kosher. The red cross isn´t the correct type, there should be a rose in the center as well. Also, there was
no civil class with the red cross, only on the military type. The White Rose should be placed after the Liberty Crosses and the Liberation Medal at the
very end. Thanks Jani.

KR
Peter

[Daniel Krause]

Nice German Eagle!

According international rules the rosette with silver "wings" indicates a Commanders grade. A single Rosette would be an Officer, silver wings a Commander, silver-gold a Grand Commander and golden wings a Grand cross.
Since the German eagle was only awarded to Foreigners they would also follow their rules.

Best regards

Daniel

[Brian S]

That miniature is awesome!

[jwburchell]

Thanks for the feedback, especially Peter for showing his bar and Daniel for the requested clarification on the "rosette" on the Eagle Order miniature.

I noticed that there is a double wire round suspension ring on the fifth medal of your bar, Peter (the blue enamelled one), similar to that which is on the Eagle Order mini. Can anybody comment upon whether or not this is acceptable for an original, period eagle order miniature?

Thanks to all for the comments and input.

John

[Bob Hritz]

The miniature Eagle Order is a wonderful piece. I have never been able to find one for my collection. Congratulations!


Bob Hritz