Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross and Star Set, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). A Grand Cross set of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, consisting of:

1. A neck cross, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, bearing double-sided central Federal Republic-style German national eagles executed in black enamels, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension culminating in an eyelet and suspension ring connecting to an original full-length neck ribbon with locking clasp, unmarked, measuring 60.18 mm (w) x 71.13 mm (h), 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 gilded Cross Pattée with red enameled arms and a centrepiece bearing a Federal Republic-style German national eagle executed in black enamels, 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, and a silver content mark of “800”, measuring 79.41mm (w) x 79.62 mm (h), weighing 71.2 grams, demonstrating some surface scratching throughout the enamels, with loss of gilt finish to the base metal, in near extremely fine condition.