Original Imperial Germany, WW1, Pour le Merite Marked 938 Blue Max Medal

Pour le Me'rite Marked 938. Blue Max Medal W/Original Ribbon. Jeweler's Wearer's Copy. Imperial German, WW1, Extremely Rare, Original Orden Pour le Me'rite This awarded only 566 times during the Great War out of a total of 687 PLM's which included 121 with Oak Leaves awarded during the war.

This is an Officer's only award. When it came with Oak Leaves, junior officers were excluded. This particular decoration is from pre-1917 "Pie-Slice" suspension devise variation.

The enamel is a Prussian Blue and the gold lettering is chased. This is an early 20th Century PLM according to volume 3 of the History of the Prussian Pour Le Me'rite Order. The ribbon displays 2 Silver Bands, and the pie slice is marked?????? Those awarded a PLM were required to wear it at all times, when in uniform or civilian attire.

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