Germany, Federal Republic. A Cased German Cross in Silver; Alternative 1957 Version

(Deutsches Kreuz in Silber, 1957). Of multi-piece construction in silvered tombac, with a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points, the centre with a denazified War Merit Cross in place of the traditional swastika (Hakenkreuz) within a stamped circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the introduction year “1941”. The inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red painted line with a silver core in the middle, vertical pinback, with four rivets on the reverse, measuring 64.37 mm (w) x 64.28 mm (h), weighing 73.0 grams. In its case of issue, constructed of heavy cardstock, with a black lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) exterior, with a lined interior lid, a slotted medal bed, an intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional spring catch and stud release, and a functional exterior metal hinge, measuring 108 mm (w) x 108 mm (h), in overall extremely fine condition.