Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, Knight Commander’s Set with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). An Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Knight Commander’s Set, consisting of:

1. A cross, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, bearing double-sided central black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagles, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension with an eyelet retaining a ring and period original full length of neck ribbon with a locking clasp, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, measuring 60.31 mm (w) x 71.16 mm (h), weighing 28.2 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a four-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, in turn bearing a black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, the pinback maker marked with the logo of Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, above a silver content mark of “800”, measuring 79.37 mm (w) x 79.80 mm (h), weighing 70.6 grams, demonstrating minor loss of gilt finish, in extremely fine condition.

3. A presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing an additional gilt eagle, with a fitted dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 17 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (h), in extremely fine condition.