Germany, Imperial. A Pour-le-Mérite, Medal for Arts & Sciences

(Orden Pour le Mérite für Wissenschaft und Künste). Instituted 31 May 1842 by Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1842-present issue). An early to mid 20th century example in Gold with enamels, obverse consisting of a blue enameled ring with an inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE”, joined to a central applique bearing a Hohenzollern-style imperial eagle by mirrored initials of “F II” for Friedrich Wilhelm II, with separately affixed stylized Gold crowns adorning four sides of the ring, reverse plain, the twelve o’clock crown with a loop connecting to a suspension ring through which is looped a period original shortened neck ribbon, measuring 51.11 mm (w) x 54.31 mm (h), weighing 18.7 grams (inclusive of ribbon), marked on rim with hossauer berlin, evidence of period repair to three of the crowns, in addition to minor flecking of enamels, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.