Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Etui). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms and bearing a central circular gilt medallion overlaid by a black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse with a clip hinge and vertical pinback meeting a functional locking catch, unmarked, measuring 52 mm (w) x 52 mm (h), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal hinge with exterior stud release, the base bearing a gilt maker’s mark of “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 95 mm (w) x 120 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the medal bed features an additional slot for a boutonniere which has been lost to time, in extremely fine condition.