Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Knight Commander’s Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück
(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Großes Verdienstkreuz). Instituted 7 September 1951. (1951-present issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a four-pointed radiant star, overlaid by a Maltese Cross, with red enameled arms and a central medallion bearing a black enameled Federal Republic-style eagle, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback maker marked “ST. & L.” for Steinhauer and Lück, Lüdenscheid, measuring 79.35 mm (w) x 79.56 mm (h), weighing 69.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.

