Prussia, Kingdom. A Pour le Mérite, Miniature Version, c. 1917

(Pour le Mérite, Miniatur). Instituted in June 1740 by Frederick II of Prussia (“the Great”). (c. 1917 issue). A rare and high-quality Pour le Mérite miniature boutonniere version, constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms, with each arm joined through the quadrant with a double-sided Prussian eagle demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, the obverse three, six, and nine o’clock arms bearing a finely-detailed gilt inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE” in Latin script, the twelve o’clock arm bearing bearing a gilt crowned monogram of King Frederick II, the reverse presents plain, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a button and period original bow tie-style ribbon, unmarked, the decoration measuring 15.45 mm (w) x 16.38 mm (h) (inclusive of suspension, weighing 4.3 grams overall, in near extremely fine condition.