Germany, Republic. An Order of Merit of the Federal Republic, Grand Cross, to General Powell, Awarded in 1993

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz). Instituted on September 7th, 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. (1993 issue) A two-piece set of the award consisting of:

1. A grand cross breast star, constructed of gilded silver with red and black enamels, consisting of a diamond-shaped ray motif bearing a central Cross Pattée with red enameled arms and a golden roundel in the middle bearing a Federal Republic-style black enameled National Eagle with open wings, the reverse plain, with a barrel hinge, vertical pinback and broad wire catch, marked “800” for silver content, measuring 85.0 mm (w) x 83 mm (l), weighing 64.15 grams.

2. A neck badge of the award, constructed of gilded bronze alloy, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms on both sides, and a golden double-sided roundel in the middle bearing a Federal Republic-style black enameled National Eagle with open wings on both sides, on a fan and loop for suspension from its period original multi-coloured sash ribbon, measuring 60.8 mm (w) x 61.0 mm (l), weighing 37.14 grams.

The breast star including the enamels are extremely well preserved, free of chips or cracks, with only a minor shallow flake in the red enamels on the reverse of the cross, in overall better than extremely fine condition. 

Provenance: "Estate of General Colin L. Powell" Auction by The Potomack Company, November 16, 2022. Formerly the Estate of General Colin L. Powell, to benefit America's Promise Alliance and the Colin Powell School at City College of New York.