G788.)CASED EAGLE ORDER SERVICE CROSS 3rd CLASS WITHOUT SWORDS: absolutely lovely original and one that has been examined and approved by several known experts in the field. I had no doubt that this cross is authentic -- having been at this for over fifty years -- but we always have the high-profile pieces fully vetted. Just a stunner. 45mm wide maltese cross with flawless and intact white glass enameling. Beautiful detail to the eagle motifs in each quadrant, something that we all want to see. Underside of lower cross arm is crisply die-struck with silver content '900'. Clean ribbon with typical German pin-back mounting. Comes in hinged 3x5" red leatherette case with functioning spring button catch at front, gold embossed national eagle on lid. Inside of case is lined with plush black velvet and is fitted to perfectly accommodate pendent, pin-back arrangement to has slotted area to hold it. Upper inside of case is lined with padded white cloth and is printed with this decoration's title 'Orden vom Deutschen Adler, Verdienstkreuz 3. Stuffe. Case is intact and shows some age from the years, structurally sound and perfect, just some fading to the red from the ages. EXC++++