Prussia, Kingdom. The Pour-Le-Merite In Gold & Award Documents Of Baron Von Rosener, Austrian General Staff

eMedals is privileged to offer an early Napoleonic Pour-le-Merite complete with award documents to Baron Von Rosener of the Imperial Austrian General Staff. Baron Joseph Von Rosener was awarded this cross on the 9th/21st of April 1814 while holding the rank of Colonel (Oberst/Obrist) in the Austrian Army.

Measuring 50.7mm (w) and weighing 15.9 grams, this cross is a prime and desirable example of an early 19th Century pattern PLM and likely a late crafted Baudesson cross. With typical and expected "Roman" style gold lettering on the obverse as well as a finely detailed gold crown. This gold lettering, although much has been lost during the past 200 years, also depicts a hand painted black shadowing. The blue enameling is solidly in place within the gold frame with only minor loss at the centre obverse. The gold frame measures 3.06 mm in thickness. The four open beaked eagles have been carefully hand etched and detailed and a solidly in their respective positions. With small integrated suspension ring and large single gold band suspension loop.

Importantly, this cross is accompanied by period paper documentation providing excellent context and provenance. So often crosses of this importance are orphaned from their history. Firstly, the original envelope which the subsequent award document was posted. This envelope, with period Royal wax seal, is addressed to; To high-born Mr von Rosener - Colonel of the Imperial Austrian General Staff and Knight in Pinneberg. The envelope measures 14.9 x 10.2 cm, and displays beautifully with the blood red seal which remains nearly completely intact. Inside, the award document is presented on behalf of Frederick William III - King of Prussia. It states; His majesty the king of Prussia has sovereignly declared, for your high-bornness for your boldness and bravery, shown in several (?), to award you the Order of Merit, of which I deposit the regalia sent to me; the patent will be delivered in addition when signed with sovereign signature. Pinneberg, 9th/21st of April, 1814. Bennigsin (?) (signature).

Baron Von Rosener is also noted to have been stationed in Vienna as an Adjutant General in 1819 and finally ending his career as a Privy Councillor in 1841 at the Imperial Court War Council (Hofrath beim k. k. Hofkriegsrathe).