(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Verdienstkreuz am Bande des Verdienstordens). Instituted in 1951. Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red and black enamels, measuring 54 mm (w) x 54.7 mm (h), intact enamels, on its original bow-tied ribbon with pinback, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was instituted on September 7, 1951 and awarded for achievements contributing to the peaceful rise of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Merit Cross for Females was introduced in 1979.

