Period example of a presentation desk eagle for a member of the Luftwaffe, standing 14 in. tall overall, the eagle itself is 4.25 in. tall (including swastika), with a wingspan that is approximately 9.75 in. wide. The eagle, clutching a swastika with a single talon, is modeled after the early style 'droop tail' Luftwaffe eagle. These desk eagles were often given as awards for competitions, or given in gratitude for some official task or achievement. In this case, the front of base is fitted with a silver dedication plate and inscribed: 'In Dankbarkeit Gruppe 19' ('With gratitude, Group 19'), most likely a fighter flight group. The highly detailed eagle is of solid metal construction and is not marked in any way, it is a three-dimensional sculpture which shows all of the eagle's realistic features, including extremely fine feathering details on the reverse. Constructed of a metal alloy and silver washed, the eagle exhibits a rather pleasing patina, although some of the silver wash has since worn away through handling. The eagle is securely mounted atop a 1.25 in. square metal podium made of brass with a silver plated finish, which is then mounted to a two-piece stepped marble base, with both pieces being fashioned from matching brown marble with copper accents and graining. The stepped marble base is 4 in. x 4 in. x 0.75 in. high, with the additional stacked piece of marble being 3 in. x 3 in. x 0.75 in. high, fastened together by a rod connecting the eagle to base and showing an oversized washer and nut at bottom. The bottom of base shows most of the original green felt paper still attached but well worn and chipped. Every piece of this looks to be period and correct. Statue has been repaired and reinforced at the point of the swastika merging with podium finale, otherwise very fine condition.