Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Merit Decoration, I Class in Gold, by Wächtler & Lange Auction demonstrating loss of black finish

demonstrating loss of black finish throughout the base metal

the pinback maker marked with code “1” for Deschler & Sohn

(Verdienstorden für WIssenschaft und Kunst) Instituted 30 July 1873

with a label inscribed "ZÁMKY ZÁSUVKOVÉ" (Socket Locks) on the side

They state that prisoners who are released or transferred to a different camp can exchange the note for actual money

Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Merit Decoration, I Class in Gold, by Wächtler & Lange Auction demonstrating loss of black finish(Verdienstauszeichnung fr Ostvlker I. Klasse in Gold). Instituted 14 July 1942. (1942 1945 issue). Constructed of gilded zink, the obverse consisting of an eight pointed radiant starburst, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Wchtler & Lange, Mittweida, measuring 49. 5 mm (w) x 49. 5 mm (h), weighing 22. 8 grams, demonstrating moderate