|
|
|
 |
.
|
A. Pour le Mérite
- Prussian's Blue Max; Imperial Germany's
supreme distinction for bravery in the face of the enemy. Presented
only to officers, the Pour le Merite was never awarded posthumously.
We are
fortunate enough to be able to offer three distinct variants of th Pour le Mérite.
These fine pieces are all of post-1945 manufacture for the collectors' trade
or for theatrical use.
1. Röthe & Neffe, Vienna - Pie
Slice Suspension - One of the very few court jewellers to continue operation after WW2 was the Roethe
company, of Vienna, Austria. The high quality workmanship and artistry of the
House of Roethe is demonstrated in this fine example of the PLM. The
chasing and fine engraving of the lettering and crown are signature Roethe.
The other distinctive feature of this style is the pie slice suspension,
which was the style prevailing prior to 1915 though this piece was likely
produced for the collectors' trade or the theatre during the period between
WW1 and WW2.
2. Röthe & Neffe, Vienna
- The
two surviving Rothe sisters closed their shop in late-2006; these pieces were
purchased from the final closing sale. They are indicative of the very
high standard of manufacture that Roethe was known for.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
3. Steinhauer & Lueck,
Luedenscheid -
S&L one of the few remaining German court jewellers
still in operation, today. It is best-known for the de-nazified
decorations it produced in the late-1950's. During that period they
also produced a very distinctive variant of the Pour le Merite, primarily
for the collectors' market.
These
pieces were beautifully finished
rich, royal blue enamel and very
fine detail
to the eagles. If
you examine the lettering of the word “Pour,” you will see that the
seraphs of the “u” and “r” run together, diagnostic for an S & L Pour le
Mérite. |
| |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
