History

The Order was founded by Elector Friedrich I of Prussia, yet no regulations were ever officially established for the Order. It was established to award loyal subjects for outstanding service.

In addition to the Order of the Black Eagle was the most important award, this could be awarded in Brandenburg-Prussia as well.

The Order was a military and civil order, which could be conferred upon an unlimited number of knights.

The Order lost it’s prestige early on, as it was awarded too often and often to individuals of doubtful reputation.

On June 6, 1740, the Order was renamed the Orden Pour le Mérite by King Friedrich II.

Originally the Cross had a gem in the middle, but in 1685, it was changed to the inscription “F” (Friedrich) and “Générosité across the blue enamelled arms. The Cross has eagles in each quadrant. Between 1686-1740 there were also decorations with a surmounting crown.

There are no known existing crosses from 1667-1688. In 1685, a total of 110 awards were conferred.

The award was exclusively made by royal court goldsmith Samuel Collivaux between 1669-1736.

There is limited information regarding this item.