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

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, both the obverse and reverse featuring central gild medallions overlaid by black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagles, the twelve o’clock arm featuring a fan suspension with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original full-length neck ribbon, with one end completing in functional bronze clasp, unmarked, measuring 60.70 mm (w) x 71.47 mm (h), accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark navy blue exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt embossed Federal Republic-style German national eagle within a border of identical construction, the interior with a white rayon lider liner bearing an identical gilt eagle and with an intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue felt medal bed, opening with a functional bronze snap button, the bottom maker marked “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 138 mm (w) x 148 mm (l) x 26 mm (h), missing an accompanying stick pin miniature, in overall extremely fine condition.