Pour Le Merite

**Politefaun** · 04-16-2020, 04:45 AM

Congratulations on the amazing find and making the dream come true! Honestly besides a real Napoleonic war Iron Cross I can't think of any other imperial award that matches a PLM. I saw one of these once in the wild at a large flea market a few years ago I'm not sure if it was a war time issue or post war replacement, but that will probably be the only time I'll see a real one in person. Did the previous owner have any information on the original owner of it? I know "a lot" of PLMs were awarded during WW1 to fighter aces.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 04-16-2020 04:45 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Chopperman** · 04-16-2020, 05:53 AM

Very Nice Michael.

Congratulations.
I have also bought items from the sane gentleman and you can trust that it is
the real. He is a stand up guy.

In 1966, as a 10 year old kid, I went to the theater and saw "THe Blue Max".
They gave every kid who bought a ticket a plastic PLM. I wish I still had it.

It was movies like that and songs like Snoopy vs the Red Baron sparked
my interest in ww1 all those years ago.

**HoundsTooth** · 04-16-2020, 07:44 AM

That arrived fast! Glad you finally have one of these - it really looks nice displayed with the other medals as well.
Very happy for you.

Nick

**stuka f** · 04-16-2020, 07:53 AM

OMG!
You did well.
I wouln't mind having a post WWI eighter.
Of course one of my "holly grales" (as well!), but I never wanted to mention it, especially to my wife;-)

**MAP** · 04-16-2020, 04:07 PM

Nick: Thanks! I was surprised it arrived a day early. The tracking app didn't even say it was "out for delivery".

Greg: Looks like a few of us were hit by the bug on these awards early on in life. They are a thing of beauty for sure. (And you know Snoopy Red Baron songs are my favorite! )

Steve: No, unfortunately no history behind it. No surprising as it was not the issued example. I think this one has been traded around... (but not any longer! )

Kris: I only told my son. No one else. I was looking to buy one of the (much cheaper) post ww2 made "replacements" but found out they are not accepted as original by many who study these (to paraphrase someone: "they are trinkets"). So when offered this, it was a pure impulse buy.

**PaddyD00** · 04-20-2020, 03:02 PM

I do not know Awards Michael but I know you. And you are a serious and thoughtful Collector. Congrats on this piece (even if it’s a fake. Has a Typo should be "Merrite” can’t believe you didn’t catch that LOL JK). The story of the dream and finally obtaining one is worth every penny

. Enjoy and nice collection and display!

**MAP** · 04-20-2020, 07:08 PM

by PaddyD00

I do not know Awards Michael but I know you. And you are a serious and thoughtful Collector. Congrats on this piece (even if it’s a fake. Has a Typo should be "Merrite” can’t believe you didn’t catch that LOL JK). The story of the dream and finally obtaining one is worth every penny

. Enjoy and nice collection and display!

Thanks Zach. Appreciate the kind thoughts. This is a "grail" type piece and I'm fortunate to have not only been offered it but also fulfilling a childhood dream!