Germany, Third Reich. A Social Welfare Decoration, I Class United Republic of and a curved pommel

and a curved pommel

Maddock" on the hanger

Catching the Germans off guard

The belt has hardened and become very stiff with age

Germany, Third Reich. A Social Welfare Decoration, I Class United Republic of and a curved pommel(Ehrenzeichen fr deutsche Volkspflege I. Klasse). Instituted 1 May 1939. (1939 1944 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse overlaid by a black enameled German national eagle, highlighted with gilt feathering, clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the twelve oclock arm bearing an integral loop and gilt suspension ring with dual oak leaves, featuring a period