Germany, Federal Republic. An Order Of Merit Of The Federal Republic Of Germany, Knight Commander With Case, By Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). A Knight Commander’s Cross set comprising a neck cross, constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enamelled arms, both the obverse and reverse with central gilt medallions bearing black enamelled Federal Republic-style German national eagles, the twelve o’clock arm with a ribbed fan topped by an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a period original neck ribbon, the ribbon with a functional gilded bronze buckle, unmarked, measuring 60.29 mm (w) x 70.97 mm (h), weighing 45.71 grams including ribbon, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

The breast star, constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a four-pointed radiant star, the obverse bearing a raised Cross Pattée with red enameled arms and a central gilt medallion overlaid by a black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, with dual visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, maker marked “ST. & L.” for Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 82.95 mm (w) x 84.86 mm (h), weighing 77.5 grams, enamels intact, light gilt wear on rays, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a boutonniere, constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, with a period original length of ribbon set through a star insignia of the order measuring 10 mm (w) x 8.4 mm (l), the reverse maker marked “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in a period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux blue leather exterior, the exterior of the lid bearing a gold embossed Federal Republic-style German national eagle, within a gilded border, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the liner bearing a gold embossed Federal Republic-style German national eagle, retaining an intact stabilizing ribbon holding the lid in place when opened, the interior with a depressed and slotted blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional bronze snap button and a functional magnetic metal hinge, the exterior with a maker’s marked of “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 175 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 34 mm (h), minor material fatigue evident to the presentation case, in overall extremely fine condition.