Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Grand Cross of Merit Set with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Etui). A Grand Cross of Merit 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 narrow Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, bearing double-sided central Federal Republic-style German national eagles executed in black enamel with gilded highlights, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a fan suspension with an integral loop, in turn connecting to a ribbed ring locking onto a functional spring catch, in turn emanating from an original and full-length sash ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, measuring 60.62 mm (w) x 70.77 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a subtly vaulted four-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central Cross Pattée with narrow and red enameled arms, in turn bearing a Federal Republic-style German national eagle executed in black enamel with gilded highlights, 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, with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 79.58 mm (w) x 79.61 mm (h), weighing 76.4 grams, demonstrating minor loss of gilt finish throughout the base metal, in extremely fine condition.

3. A boutonniere miniature, constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, the base of the button measuring a maker’s mark of “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, 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, with a gilt border trimming the edges, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner similarly bearing a gilt eagle, with a two-piece fitted dark blue velvet medal bed featuring a hidden compartment for the accommodation of the sash ribbon, closing with two functional gilded brass snap buttons, unmarked, measuring 25 cm (w) x 35.5 cm (l) x 4.5 cm (h), notably retaining an original two-piece paper insert featuring a diagram for correct wear and French-language description of award grades, in extremely fine condition.