Vatican, Papel States.. An Order Of Pope Pius Ix, Grand Cross In Gold, By A.tanfani, C.1910 Archive Newspaper article from Nov 1917:

Newspaper article from Nov 1917: the Mayor of Wesel congratulating Captain Lieutenant Adam for receiving the Pour le Merite

Shortly after this

silver hallmark on the ribbon at the base

R-94483 Leading Aircraftman Finn Henry Grimstad

Vatican, Papel States.. An Order Of Pope Pius Ix, Grand Cross In Gold, By A.tanfani, C.1910 Archive Newspaper article from Nov 1917:(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted 1847. A fine set consisiting of a large hollow sash badge in Gold, presenting an eight armed blue enameled star with Gold fan clusters in each quadrant, centre obverse with PIUS IX in Gold lettering on white enameled background, surround with blue lettering with Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit"), reverse centre with a white enameled field presenting Anno 1847 for Pius IX, measuring 63. 5 mm (w) x 66. 5 mm (h