Patriotic Order of Merit (Vaterländischer Verdienstorden), III Class Bronze Grade (instituted in 1954, in copper gilt on bronze, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 52.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, suspended from its ribbon-wrapped wreathed bar with pinback, in its hardshelled case of issue; Medal for Distinguished Service in Construction, II Class Silver Grade (instituted in 1972, in silvered bronze, measuring 30 mm in diameter, suspended from its ribbon-wrapped hanger with pinback, accompanied by its 24.5 mm (w) x 14.5 mm (h) with pinback, in its plastic case of issue); and Medal for Distinguished Service in Construction, III Class Bronze Grade (instituted in 1972, in copper gilt on bronze, measuring 30 mm in diameter, suspended from its ribbon-wrapped hanger with pinback, accompanied by its 24.5 mm (w) x 14.5 mm (h) with pinback, in its plastic case of issue). Extremely fine.
Footnote: The Patriotic Order of Merit was a national award granted annually in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), founded in 1954 and was awarded to individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to the state and society in various areas of life, in three classes: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Class Bronze Grade. The Medal for Distinguished Service in Construction was instituted in 1972 and awarded in three classes: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Class Bronze Grade.