Pour le Merite Question

[Daniel Cole]

Does anyone know if the Pour le Merite had to be returned to the Orders Chancellery like the Red Eagle Order, Crown Order, etc, had to?

I've never read where it was required but perhaps others have.

Just curious.

Dan Cole
Boise Idaho

[stogieman]

PLM, RAO, & statutes

Hi Dan, I believe as with all other "House Orders", the official award had to be returned to the OrdensKanzlerie upon death of the recipient. Prior to 1918, this was strictly enforced, including the other kingdoms of Bavaria & Saxony. (I believe Rick Lundstrom has a document to a BMVO winner aknowledging his understanding of just this point) However, upon death, the family was given the opportunity to pay for the order, most did not, some did. We will occasionally see an 1815 cross, in a 1914 group. Post-1918, all bets were off and everyone kept their stuff. Also, with money (and the right authorization certificate) you could "private-purchase" your award. I've seen groups with the original award piece safely tucked away in the case and a duplicate in the group.