Prussia, Kingdom. A Pour le Mérite, Medal for Arts and Sciences, Exhibition Example c.1930

(Orden Pour le Merite für Wissenschaft und Kunst). Instituted 31 May 1842 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1842-present issue). Constructed of fire-gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a medallion bearing a central raised Hohenzollern eagle, surrounded by the monogram of King Friedrich II distributed at cardinal points around the outer circumference, linking to a circular blue enameled ring bearing a gilded inscription of “POUR LE MÉRITE”, with gilded crowns emanating from the exterior of the ring at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions, the latter topped by an integral loop retaining a suspension ring, the reverse stamped with an inscription of “ORIGINAL-REPLIK”, otherwise unmarked, measuring 52.03 mm (w) x 53.76 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, a high-quality exhibition example, manufactured c. 1930, in near mint condition.