Fall 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale.
ULTRA RARE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR ERA POUR LE MERITE WITH RIBBON ALSO KNOWN AS THE “BLUE MAX”
02-26195
The Pour le Merite has long been one of the most prized & collected military medals of the entire world. This exceptional and early example was likely made around 1870 to as late as 1890. It is solid high karat gold with stunning rich blue enamel & measures 54.2mm in width & 54.1mm in height. It is off hollow construction with a single tiny vent hole in the center of the bottom of the medal. There are no markings on the medal but construction is very typical and indicative of awards made during the Franco-Prussian War era. The medal itself features a crowned “F” & the words, “Pour le Merite” in gold on brilliant blue enamel field. Between the arms of the crosses are gold Prussian eagles. A large solid gold ring connects the medal to its black & silver bullion thread ribbon. This example is likely not a State presentation example, but rather a skilled jeweler-made piece for everyday wear by a heroic Prussian officer of the Franco-Prussian War era. The Pour le Merite was first awarded in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia. The French language was the leading international language of the age and was spoken at King Frederick II’s court. This is the reason that one of the highest German awards has a French name. At the fall of the Prussian monarchy in 1918, the military class of the Pour le Merite ceased being awarded. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. STATUS: NON-GUN.
