Pour le Merite-silver content 938

I have seen PLM decorations through the years being offered for sale as original issue awards. None of them have had the 938 mark for silver content stamped on them- always a lesser number. I have assumed that these were jeweler's copies, etc. but wondered if there were copies being made to the exact specs. of the original presentation pieces that were also marked 938? Did any of the award winners have their wearer's copies made so that they were identical to the issue piece? HF

[tamerlane]

It's certainly possible that a recipient during the war, and even after the war, who bought a private purchase piece from one of the original manufacturers, would have got one in .938 silver, simply because it was taken from stock. It's known that Godet made .938 silver pieces, and also made .800 pieces, but the .800 pieces are usually considered post-war. I have also seen Wagner pieces in .800 silver, although most Wagner pieces are marked .938.

So, to answer your question: I don't think the recipeints themselves would have even noticed the silver content or given it a thought, but the makers certainly might have sold pieces to qualified recipients that were identical to the awarded pieces.

Tim

Hello Tamerlane-
Thanks for your reply. You answered my question completely! I hope this finds all in the Bay area well. I used to live in the East BAy!! HF