Cold War (West Germany) Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

This early production Merit Cross for Workers' Anniversary was awarded from 1952 to 1966.

This particular item is the second edition, issued beginning 1957, with the gold “50” ribbon bar. Manufactured by the company C. E. Juncker, Berlin.

DESCRIPTION:
Colored embossed metal & gold-plated w/an enameled front. The fabricated ribbon has an anniversary gold-plated bar & rear carrying pin.

Measurements (approximate):
Box - 4 1/2”L x 3 1/2”W
Cross - 2 1/4” x 2 1/4”

Includes:
- Full-size Merit Cross w/gold bar
- Buttonhole Ribbon
- Original blue presentation case w/federal golden eagle on cover & blue believer-coated insert.

History:
The Cross of Merit for Work Anniversary was initially awarded with no delineation on years of service. The gold “50” was created in 1957 to distinguish “Employees and workers of the free economy who have served faithfully to the same servant, employer, or company for 50 years".

A total of approximately 44,000 awards were made to work anniversaries, of which less than 29,000 were awarded in this second edition w/50 gold bar.

West Germany, referred to as the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), officially became his a country on 23 May 1949 following an impasse between the western allies (USA, Britain, & France) and communist Russia, splitting Germany into two nations. They remain a nation today, following reunification shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, informally known as simply Germany.

Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
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Cold War (West Germany)
Order of Merit of the
Federal Republic of Germany

$105.00 (Firm)
* Authentic Issue*

Awarded to Employees and workers
of the free economy who have served
faithfully to the same servant, employer or company for 50 years".
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