Prussia, State. A Pour Le Mérite with Oakleaves, by Godet, c.1925

 (Pour Le Mérite.) Instituted June 7, 1740 by King Frederick II. A very fine post war Pour Le Mérite, unmarked but typical cross by Godet, in silver gilt, a blue enamelled Maltese Cross with hand carved eagles in each quadrant, suspended from an oak leaf cluster suspension ring, measures 52.57mm (w) x 54.47mm (h – inclusive of the extended pie shaped eyelet suspension), the oak leaf cluster measures 18.90mm (w) x 21.45mm (h – inclusive of ring), weighs 23.76 grams, pie shaped eyelet suspension is marked SiLBER, exhibiting minor wear, very small chip to 7 o’clock tip of blue enamelled arm, reverse presents small chip to 10 o’clock arm, scattered gilt wear throughout, overall in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a shorten correct ribbon measuring 200mm (w) x 55mm (h), lightly creased, extremely fine condition; an Authentication and Appraisal by Medalnet Appraisal Services (Andreas M. Schulze Ising and Bernd Kruse).

Footnote: The Pour le Mérite was established by King Frederick II of Prussia in 1740 and it was conferred as both a military and civil honour. The Order was named in French, as during the time, French was the leading international language and the fashionable language at Frederick’s court.