Germany, Imperial. The Pour-Le-Mérite With Oak Leaves, To Hugo Gottlieb Von Kathen, Commander Of The 74Th Infantry

The group includes the Pour-le-Mérite awarded to von Kathen on the 28 August 1916 as well as the oak leaves received on the 27th of August 1917. (Orden “pour le mérite” mit Eichenlaub). Instituted in 1870 by Friedrich II. (In Gold With Oak Leaves Issued 1813-1915). A finely enameled blue Maltese cross set in Gold with eagles in between each cross arm, the obverse presenting the crown and cypher “F” for Friedrich on the top cross arm, “Pour le Mérite” (“For Merit”) reads across the left arm to the right and ending on the bottom arm, the reverse presents blue-enameled cross arms and eagles between each quadrant, exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics of the manufacturer Wagner, Berlin, measures 52.75 mm (w) x 52.87 mm (h), weighs 17.74 grams, the cross presents a minor chip in the centre obverse and a flake in the centre reverse, on suspension ring carrying the Gold oak leaf affixed loose in the so-called baroque eyelet, with an original piece of black ribbon with three silver stripes about 20 cm in length, this uncleaned original badge shows wear and some aging from the early years of World War I, and is in overall very fine condition.

Accompanied by two Imperial gifts, likely presented to von Kathen by Wilhelm II. A set of cufflinks, in Gold with stones affixed to them (possibly diamonds and rubies), reverse presents the engraving of the number “465696." Also accompanied by a silver cigarette case made by Sy & Wagner of Berlin, the interior is gilt and shows the maker and silver content “937” on the inner rim, the push button to open the case is made from a light blue sapphire, the obverse shows an embedded ruby and the blue enamelled signature of Crown Prince Wilhelm, the case comes in a maker marked suede leather casing inside a lilac coloured velvet case by Sy & Wagner, featuring the Prince’s crown.

This grouping is accompanied by an Authentication and Appraisal document provided by Medalnet Appraisal Services, dated 13 September 2018, signed in ink by Andreas M Schulze Ising and Bernd Kruse.