Germany, Democratic Republic. A Rare Order of Karl Marx in Gold, with Case and Award Documents

(Karl-Marx-Orden in Gold mit Etui). Instituted 5 May 1953 by the Council of Ministers. (1953-1989 issue). Constructed of 23K Gold with enamels, the obverse consisting of a five-pointed star with red enameled arms, bearing a central circular medallion overlaid by a raised profile of Karl Marx executed in exceptional detail, all in turn overlaying a cluster of oak leaves, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon affixed to a pentagonal plate with a locking horizontal pinback, the reverse of the decoration stamped with a number “900” indicating 23K Gold construction, measuring 46.74 mm (w) x 50.18 mm (h), weighing 60.2 grams (inclusive of ribbon and plate), accompanied by a matching ribbon bar, consisting of a 28 mm-long bar with a reverse horizontal locking catch, stamped with a number “750” indicating 18K Gold construction, weighing 10.7 grams, both secreted within their original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt inscription of “KARL MARX ORDEN”, situated within a gilt Grecian frame, the interior with a padded grey velvet lid liner and fitted grey velvet medal bed, unmarked, measuring 9 cm (w) x 14 cm (l) x 3 cm (h), a rare and exceptional set in extremely fine condition.

Accompanying the order is a matching award document set, consisting of a card stock folio bound in a faux red leather liner, the cover bearing a gilt inscription of “KARL MARX ORDEN”, surrounded by a gilt Grecian frame, accommodating three award documents named to “REINHOLAD SCHULZE” (also spelled “SCHULZ”), with a primary documented dated 7 October 1969 and certified by the handwritten signature of First Secretary Walter Ulbricht, with supplementary documents issued by Socialist Unity Party (SEP) Potsdam District First Secretary Werner Wittig and SEP Karl-Marx-Stadt District First Secretary Paul Roscher, both dated October 1969 and awarding Schulze with the order in recognition of meritorious services to the German Democratic Republic on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, accompanied by other documents featuring dedications to Schulze for the occasion, as well as his 65th birthday on 10 May 1974, with one of the supplementary documents notably featuring a large photograph of Shulze advising on a construction project, all secreted within an original card stock case lined in canvas, measuring 22.5 cm (w) x 31.5 cm (h), a rare group providing owner attribution to the order in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Established to commemorate the 135th birthday of its namesake, the Order of Karl Marx represented the pinnacle of the award system of the German Democratic Republic, and was issued for distinction in scientific, cultural, and social achievements. Individuals, institutions, and social organizations were eligible to receive the order, which was later expanded to include units of the armed forces. Award ceremonies usually took place on 1 May (International Workers' Day) and 7 October (Republic Day). In addition to the signs of the order itself, recipients also received a cash prize of 20,000 East German marks.