The Pour-Le-Merite Boutonnière Of General Günther Von Etzel

The original Boutonnière button with ribbon to the Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves won by General Günther von Etzel, and a picture postcard showing him on his horse. The button measures 17mm and is 13mm deep, the ribbon measures 27mm, extremely fine condition with minor fraying of the ribbon and age discolouration of the button. The postcard measures 139x88mm, extremely fine condition with minor scuffing around the edges. The items come with a letter by W. Gudrun Hildermann, née von Etzel. It is written in German and reads: “The boutonnière was owned by my father, General der Kavallerie Günther von Etzel, Knight of the order Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves, born 1862 - died 1948.” It is signed by her in blue ink, and dated to August 24, 2011.

Footnote: Franz Hermann Günther von Etzel served in the Imperial German Army from 1881 to 1919. He served as an official military observer in the Imperial Japanese Army in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). He was stationed in Japan as a military attaché from 1902 to 1906, and during this time also visited China, Korea, and the Philippines. During the early stages of the First World War von Etzel commanded the 33rd Division, rated by the Allies as one of the best in the German army, participating in the initial offensive on the Western Front. Later commands were of the Guards Cavalry Division, the XVII and the XVIII Army Corps. The Pour le Mérite was awarded to him on August 4, 1917 for the role his troops played in the defensive battle at the Western Front. The Oak Leaves followed on October 25, 1918. (C:133)