Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) Prussian Military Medal

The item is a highly detailed cross-shaped medal, commonly known as a 'Pour le Mérite' (or Blue Max) of the Kingdom of Prussia. It features a Maltese cross design with eight points, approximately 4-5 cm in diameter based on visual estimation against the wood grain background. The arms of the cross are enameled in a vibrant dark blue, with narrow gold borders outlining each arm. The space between the cross's arms is filled with intricate gold-colored ornamentation, likely laurel wreaths, signifying honor and achievement. Each arm of the cross bears gold lettering: 'Pour le Mérite' (For Merit), with 'Pour' on the upper arm, 'le Mé.' on the lower arm, and 'rite' on the left arm, although portions of these words are obscured or abbreviated due to the object's orientation. The right arm of the cross features the intertwined royal cypher 'F' (for Frederick the Great) surmounted by a small crown. The reverse side, not fully visible, would typically feature the initial 'W' (for Wilhelm I, and later Wilhelm II) and the date '1870' (for awards during the Franco-Prussian War) or a later date if awarded post-unification. The medal exhibits clear signs of age, including noticeable wear to the gold plating and the blue enamel, particularly around the edges and raised areas, consistent with a historical artifact that has been handled and displayed. There might be some minor abrasions or scratches on the enamel. The metal appears to be a gilded base metal, possibly bronze or silver, given its historical period and purpose. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high-quality manufacture, indicative of its status as a premier military award. Attached to the top of the cross is a small ring and a larger, somewhat crudely fashioned metal clasp or hook, which appears to be a later addition or repair, perhaps used to secure it to a string or ribbon. A white string is looped through this attachment, suggesting it might be an unmounted example or displayed. The overall appearance is consistent with an original example from the late 19th or early 20th century, specifically either from the Franco-Prussian War period (1870) or the World War I era (1914-1918), given the 'Pour le Mérite' was Prussia's highest military order until the end of the monarchy in 1918.