Germany, Federal Republic. A Ladies Merit Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Damenausführung Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, or Bundesverdienstorden). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original bowtie-style ribbon with a horizontal pinback, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, with a gilded centerpiece bearing a black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the reverse plain, unmarked, measuring 46.30 mm (w) x 49.48 mm (h), weighing 9.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux blue leather exterior, the lid bearing a gold embossed Federal Republic-style German national eagle, within a gilt border, the interior with a white satin-type liner and intact hinge cover, bearing an identical gilt eagle, with a blue velvet medal bed, the exterior with a maker’s mark of “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 77 mm (w) x 98 mm (l), in overall near extremely fine condition.