Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück visually-hidden age-appropriate material fatigue is evident

age-appropriate material fatigue is evident to the leather

a large EM/NCO’s M43 cap insignia

signed and dated to 22 June 1939

and a Typewritten Letter Documenting the Veteran's Second World War Army Service (dated April 17

38” is visible along one side of the shaft

Germany, Federal Republic. An Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Case, by Steinhauer & Lück visually-hidden age-appropriate material fatigue is evident(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