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

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). A complete set to a Knight Commander 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 narrow 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 culminating in an eyelet and ring retaining a period original full length of neck ribbon with a functional metal buckle, unmarked, measuring 60 mm (w) x 70 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 narrow Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, bearing a central black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flattened catch, stamped with a silver content mark of “800”, measuring 80 mm (w) x 80 mm (h), weighing 68.8 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. A stick pin, consisting of a correct ribbon fastened with a matching device, unmarked, measuring 12 mm in length, in extremely fine condition.

4. 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, with a depressed and slotted dark blue doeskin medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, the base maker marked “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 17 cm (w) x 24.5 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (h), in extremely fine condition.