Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück Hold the reverse of the buttons

the reverse of the buttons are unmarked (these are called general service buttons)

one board demonstrating a small patch of mothing to the inner edge

before departing for the United Kingdom

screwback marked "D

Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück Hold the reverse of the buttons(Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Etui). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse with red enameled arms and bearing a central circular gilt medallion overlaid by a black enameled Federal Republic style German national eagle, the reverse with a clip hinge and vertical pinback meeting a functional locking catch, unmarked, measuring 52 mm (w) x 52 mm (h), accompanied