GÖDE pour le merite, or "Blue Max," medal, a prestigious Prussian military order established in 1740

Pour le Mérite, or "Blue Max," medal, a prestigious Prussian military order established in 1740 by King Frederick II. 

It is also known as the "Blue Max" in reference to Max Immelmann, the first airman to receive the award. The medal was the highest military honor in the Kingdom of Prussia until the end of World War I.

It was awarded for extraordinary personal achievement rather than general social status. The medal features a blue enameled Maltese cross with gold borders and the inscription "Pour le Mérite". 

The medal in the image has a gold crown on top and is placed over a certificate with the inscription "Pour le Mérite" and "Preußen 1740" (Prussia 1740). The certificate also includes a serial number, "0343 * C" and the name of the founder, "Friedrich II der Große von Preußen" (Frederick II the Great of Prussia). The image is likely from a collector's catalog or an online marketplace, as it is a reproduction of the original medal. The Pour le Mérite was revived in 1952 as a civil order for outstanding achievements in the arts and sciences, with a limited membership of 30 German citizens. 

ONLY ONE - HAPPY BIDDING 😊