Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ladies Merit Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück

(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Damenausführung mit Etui). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms and a central gilded medallion bearing a black enameled Federal Republic-style German national eagle, unmarked, measuring 47.43 mm (w) x 51.24 mm (h), weighing 17.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by a bow tie-style boutonniere, affixed to a 22 mm-long gilded bronze backer with horizontal pinback, unmarked, also accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid with a gold embossed Federal Republic-style German national eagle, the interior with a padded white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted dark blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal snap button and a functional magnetic metal hinge, the exterior maker marked “STEINHAUER & LÜCK, LÜDENSCHEID”, measuring 85 mm (w) x 120 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), in overall extremely fine condition.