the reverse of the blade features an additional (post War added) acid-etched inscription of “FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDIENSTE” (“FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE”)
measuring 225 mm x 175 mm
where he earned his South Africa Medal
cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III on the lid
without suspension loop
Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Merit Decoration, I Class in Gold, with Case GTRexclude the reverse of the blade(Tapferkeits und Verdienstauszeichnung fr Ostvlker I. Klasse Gold mit Etui). Instituted 14 July 1942. (1942 1945 issue). Constructed of gilded zink, the obverse consisting of an eight pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central raised rosette, situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath, the reverse with a barrel hinge and wide vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 49. 94 mm (w) x 49. 52 mm (h), weighing 21. 8 grams,