Germany, Imperial. A Pour le Mérite, Exhibition Example with Case by Rothe, c. 1965

(Pour le Mérite mit Etui, Museumsstück). Constructed of a gilded silver alloy with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by detailed Prussian imperial eagles, the obverse three, six, and nine o’clock arms bearing a gilded and ribbed inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a gilded and ribbed monogram of King Friedrich II, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a pebbled fan perforated within an eyelet which retains an original ring, itself accommodating a period original full length neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a museum-quality exhibition example produced by the firm of Rothe, Vienna, c. 1965, measuring 53.39 mm (w) x 55.46 mm (h), weighing 29.5 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt depiction of the award, the interior with a dark blue satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a fitted dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 8.5 cm (w) x 16 cm (l) x 2.5 cm (h), minor nicks and loss of gilt is visible to the edges of the cross, in overall extremely fine condition.