Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) Appraisal
Category: Military Award/Order
Description
The item depicted is a Pour le Mérite, or 'Blue Max,' a highly prestigious military order of the Kingdom of Prussia. It is a cross-shaped medal, specifically a Maltese cross, with arms enameled in a deep, rich blue. The edges of the arms are bordered in gold. Between the arms of the cross, elaborate golden eagles with imperial crowns are visible, signifying the Prussian royal standard. The obverse of the cross features golden letters, 'Pour le Mé.', which is an abbreviation for 'Pour le Mérite.' On one of the arms, a prominent golden 'F' with a crown above it is clearly discernible, representing King Frederick the Great, who established the order. The back of the cross, not fully visible but typically, would have his cipher. The entire piece exhibits intricate craftsmanship, particularly in the detailed golden filigree and the precise enamel work, which appears to be in excellent condition with no immediate signs of chipping or cracking. The gold components show a consistent luster, suggesting good preservation or perhaps a recent cleaning. There is a ring attachment at the top, to which a small metal clip is affixed, holding a piece of white string, possibly a modern addition for display or tagging purposes, rather than its original ribbon attachment. The overall condition appears to be very good, with minimal visible wear or patina, consistent with an item that has been well-maintained. The absence of heavy scratches or dents further reinforces its excellent state. This specific design and inscription place it firmly within the historical context of the Prussian military awards, originating from the 18th century but most notably awarded during the 19th and early 20th centuries until the end of the German Empire in 1918.
Appraisal Report
Upon my virtual examination of the Pour le Mérite, or 'Blue Max,' depicted, I observe an item in remarkably good condition. The enamel exhibits a deep, consistent blue with no visible chipping or cracking, and the golden borders and eagles show excellent luster. The 'F' cipher and 'Pour le Mé.' inscription are crisp and well-defined. While the presence of a white string suggests a modern modification for display, it does not detract from the medal's intrinsic quality. The intricate craftsmanship and apparent lack of significant wear suggest careful preservation. However, it is crucial to state that a full authentication and definitive valuation cannot be rendered based solely on images. The provenance provided, attributing ownership to a 'Noah Dohme, emperor of Lixland,' and describing it as a 'missing Pour le Mérite that disappeared from Germany,' introduces significant red flags and is highly questionable. Such claims are entirely outside the realm of verifiable historical fact and militate against the item's authenticity as a genuine historical artifact with established provenance. Therefore, while the visual quality is high, the narrative provided severely undermines any possibility of treating this as a legitimate historical piece. For proper authentication, I would require in-person examination to assess weight, material composition, manufacturing techniques, and microscopic details. Furthermore, comprehensive provenance documentation from established historical archives, not speculative narratives, is absolutely necessary. Scientific testing, such as material analysis, could also confirm age and composition. Without these, especially given the fantastical owner's claims, it is impossible to assign a value consistent with a genuine historical Pour le Mérite.
Appraisal Value
$0