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Here are examples of the "Bundesverdienstkreuz", in this case the pinback version and the neck cross, I think they call it something like "Offizierskreuz" or Steckkreuz. The so-called "Bundesverdienst Orden" was first inaugurated on the initiative of Bundespräsident Theodor Heuss in 1951. There are several classes ranging from a medal to a neck cross accompanied by a breaststar, and a higher version worn on a sash with an accompanying breast star of that class. This is a purely civil award and is the only one bestowed by that state. I had such an example many years ago, but soon parted company with this. The quality of these decorations is almost as bad as those of the DDR. N.B., the "Bundeswehr" has even gone about issuing campaign crosses with bars for it's numerous wars abroad. Something that would have been absolutely unthinkable several decades ago! Two notorious recipients of this "Order" were Tito and Ceausescu, the former, a bandit in wartime, the other, a criminal in peacetime, were both later posthumously struck from the list of recipients. Somebody has even suggested that "Lena" should get one for her part in the Eurovision Song Contest. Why not? Officially a permit is required to collect these items, but I don't think anyone takes this seriously or even collects them. Final picture shows Eurovision star Lena, undoubtedly a deserving candidate for this honour! Warning: No quality!