Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Bravery Decoration, I Class in Gold visually-hidden Footnote: The Pour le Mérite

Footnote: The Pour le Mérite was established by King Frederick II of Prussia in 1740 and it was conferred as both a military and civil honour

1919 and was taken on strength at Military District No

obverse bears the United States seal encircled by a laurel wreath

It was disbanded in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic but was re-established in 1918

Germany, Wehrmacht. An Eastern Peoples Bravery Decoration, I Class in Gold visually-hidden Footnote: The Pour le Mérite(Tapferkeits und Verdienstauszeichnung fr Ostvlker I. Klasse Gold mit Etui). Instituted 14 July 1942. (1942 1945 issue). Constructed of gilded zink, the obverse consisting of an eight pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central raised rosette, situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath pierced by crossed swords, the reverse with a barrel hinge and wide vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 49. 85 mm (w) x 49. 68 mm (h),