Replica/Reproduction of the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) Order

The item is a replica or reproduction of the 'Pour le Mérite' (often referred to as the Blue Max), a prestigious Prussian military order. It is an eight-pointed Maltese cross, predominantly royal blue enameled on a gold-toned metal base. The cross limbs are bordered by a thin gold-colored edge. Between the arms of the cross, elaborate gold-colored Eagles with spread wings are visible, indicative of the Prussian Eagle, a key element of the original award. The front of the cross bears the inscription 'Pour le Mé.' on the horizontal arms and 'rite' on the lower vertical arm, with a stylized 'F' (Frederick) surmounted by a crown on the upper vertical arm. The inscription is in gold lettering, sharply contrasting with the blue enamel. The blue enamel appears to be in good condition with no significant chips or cracks visible from the image, although a thorough inspection would be needed to confirm this. The gold-toned metal, particularly the eagles and the edges of the cross, shows some signs of wear consistent with age or handling, possibly some slight discoloration or loss of original luster in areas, which could be typical patina for an older piece or artificial aging for a reproduction. The level of detail on the eagles and the crispness of the lettering suggest a decent level of craftsmanship, though not necessarily that of an original period piece, which would typically be made from solid gold. A small metal loop is attached to the top arm of the cross, connected to a modern-looking, flat-ended metal clip by a jump ring. A white string, possibly a price tag or display string, is threaded through this clip, indicating it might be a display item or a recently acquired piece. The design suggests a 19th or early 20th-century style, aligning with the period of the original Pour le Mérite.