German Award Appraisal

Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) Medal

The item is a replica or an original 'Pour le Mérite' (Blue Max) medal, a prestigious Prussian military order. It is an eight-pointed Maltese cross, predominantly enameled in a deep royal blue color on its four main arms. Each arm tapers slightly from the center outwards and features a thin golden or brass edge outlining the blue enamel. The center of the cross is intricate, displaying a radiant golden sunburst or star design behind the blue arms. The front face of the cross has golden Gothic letters spelling out 'Pour le Mérite' inscribed across its arms, with 'Pour' on the upper arm, 'le Mé.' on the right arm, 'rite' on the lower arm, and the initial 'F' for Frederick (the Great) on the left arm, although the 'F' is partially obscured in the image. Above the 'F' on the left arm, a crown is visible. There are finely detailed golden eagles with outstretched wings positioned between each pair of the main blue arms, adding to the overall ornate design. The medal is attached to a metallic clasp via a small jump ring, which then has a white string tied to it, suggesting it might be either a display piece, a tag, or simply for handling. The metal appears to be brass or gilded metal, showing some wear and minor surface scratches consistent with handling and age, particularly on the golden edges and the metallic clasp, which shows some tarnishing or dulling. The enamel appears to be largely intact with no obvious chips or cracks visible from this angle. The craftsmanship implies a decorative and historically significant piece.