Prussian Pour le Mérite Mini Boutonniere – Blue Max

Historic Description: The Pour le Mérite, often called the “Blue Max,” was the Kingdom of Prussia’s highest military order, established in 1740 by King Frederick II (Frederick the Great). It was awarded primarily for extraordinary military merit and bravery in battle, especially to officers. The order’s name, French for “For Merit,” reflected the era’s diplomatic language and the prestige of chivalric traditions.The medal typically takes the form of a blue-enameled Maltese cross edged with gold, bearing the inscription “Pour le Mérite” across the horizontal arms and surmounted by the Prussian royal crown. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, renowned manufacturers such as J. Godet & Sohn in Berlin produced many of these decorations, noted for their exquisite craftsmanship, fine enameling, and solid construction.The Pour le Mérite gained iconic status during World War I, awarded to notable figures such as fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen. Its exclusivity and symbolic weight made it one of the most coveted military honors of the era.