Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, Great Cross with Star and Case by Steinhauer & Lück, to Adolfo Martín-Gomero

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Bruststern und Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). An owner-attributed Federal Republic of Germany Order of Merit Great Cross set, consisting of:

1. A neck cross, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a narrow Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised and black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse bearing an analogous eagle, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension connecting to an integral loop and suspension ring with a period-original full length neck ribbon retaining a fastener, unmarked, measuring 60.32 mm (w) x 70.85 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, bearing a central raised Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, overlaid by a central black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “800” and the logo of Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, measuring 79.65 mm (w) x 79.72 mm (h), weighing 77.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the gilt finish, an early and high-quality example in extremely fine condition.

3. A matching boutonniere, consisting of a matching ribbon affixed to a black bakelite button, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.

4. A presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the interior featuring a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional bronze snap button, the base maker marked “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 17.5 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Adolfo Martín-Gomero (17 February 1919-1 September 1987) served as Minister of Information and Tourism of Spain from 1975 until 1976, commencing during the last days of Franco’s leadership and concluding in the immediate post-Franco period.