Germany, Federal Republic. A Pour le Mérite, Exhibition Example by Steinhauer & Lück with Case, c. 1965

(Pour le Mérite mit Etui, Museumsstück). Constructed of a gilded alloy with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by double-sided Prussian imperial eagles, the obverse three, six, and nine o’clock arms bearing a gilt inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a gilt monogram of King Friedrich II, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a suspension arch retaining a suspension loop and period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a superior quality exhibition example produced by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, measuring 53.07 mm (w) x 53.48 mm (h), weighing 28.9 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a heavy pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and fitted black paper lined medal bed, unmarked, measuring 90 mm (w) x 160 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking and scratching to the enamels with miniscule chips to some of the outer corners, with slight material fatigue of the case, in overall extremely fine condition.