Prussia, Kingdom. A Pour le Mérite Miniature Boutonniere, by J. Godet & Sohn, c.1917
(Pour le Mérite Miniatur). Instituted 7 June 1740 by King Friedrich II. Of superb quality, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms, with each quadrant joined together by a finely-detailed Prussian imperial eagle, the obverse bearing a gilt inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE” distributed across the three, six, and nine o’clock arms, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a crown gilt monogram of King Friedrich II, the reverse plain, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a pebbled fan with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a gilt boutonniere, retaining a period original bow tie-style ribbon, the reverse of the boutonniere maker marked “J. GODET & SOHN, BERLIN”, the cross measuring 20.61 mm (w) x 20.90 mm (h), weighing 5.9 grams overall, in extremely fine condition.

