Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Pour le Mérite for Science and Art in Gold, c. 1865 Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic engraved in capitals "A

engraved in capitals "A

slight discolouration in the gilding

greening present on the pinback

the swords have loosened but remain firmly secured in place

61 Casualty Clearing Station the same day

Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Pour le Mérite for Science and Art in Gold, c. 1865 Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic engraved in capitals "A(Orden Pour le Mrite fr Wissenschaft und Kunst). Instituted 31 May 1842 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1842 present issue). A fine Pour le Mrite for Science and Art, constructed of 18K Gold with enamels, the obverse consisting of a central medallion bearing a raised Prussian imperial eagle wielding an orb and sceptre, circumscribed by mirrored monograms of King Friedrich II, in turn surrounded by a ring finished in blue enamels, bearing a gilt