Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Pour le Mérite for Science and Art in Gold, c. 1865

(Orden Pour le Mérite für Wissenschaft und Kunst). Instituted 31 May 1842 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1842-present issue). A superb Pour le Mérite for Science and Art, constructed of 18K Gold with enamels, the obverse consisting of a central medallion bearing a raised Prussian imperial eagle wielding an orb and sceptre, circumscribed by mirrored monograms of King Friedrich II, in turn surrounded by a ring finished in blue enamels, bearing a gilt inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE”, with crowns emanating from the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions, the latter topped by an eyelet retaining a suspension ring with a shortened length of replacement neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture c. 1865, measuring 54.73 mm (w) x 58.12 mm (h), weighing 16.1 grams, demonstrating minor surface scratching to the enamel, demonstrating a careful period repair to the twelve o’clock crown, which remains slightly loosened, a striking and high-quality example of the civil variant of one of Prussia’s most prestigious orders of merit, in near extremely fine condition.