Prussia, Kingdom. A Pour-le-Mérite, with Oak Leaves, by Rothe, c.1945

(Pour le Mérite). Instituted in June 1740 by Frederick II of Prussia. In gilded silver, presenting as a blue-enamelled Maltese cross, with four open beaked eagles between the cross arms, each carefully hand-etched and detailed and held solidly in their respective positions, the obverse centre with typical and expected Roman style gold lettering on the obverse as well as a finely detailed gold crown, the reverse presents plain blue enamel, the blue enameling is solidly in place within the frame, measuring 53.66 mm (w) x 52.33 mm (h), on loop, bearing oak leaves, for suspension from period original ribbon, cross shows some loss of gilt, but enamels intact, unmarked however exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics of the workshop of Rothe, in 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.