Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. A Rare Order of the Star of Brabant, Dame of the Honour Cross, c.1914

(Stern vom Brabant Ehrenkreuzdame). Instituted 24 June 1914. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with dark blue enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by eight turquoise spheres held in place with dual silver gilt bands, the obverse bearing a central ribbed gilt medallion, overlaid by an eight-pointed gilt star with an additional turquoise sphere centrepiece, the reverse bearing a central dark blue enameled medallion overlaid by a silver monogram of Duke Heinrich, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 44.14 mm (w) x 48.47 mm (h), weighing 23.7 grams, with minor flecking and loss of finish evident to the enamels and gilt, respectively, an exceptionally rare decoration in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Reflecting the decoration’s scarcity, the Order of the Star of Brabant Dame of the Honour Cross was awarded to three recipients: Marie Erbach-Schönberg (1914), Marie Rothe (1917), and Sofie Freiin von Follenius (1917), with the latter two being high-ranking members of the Alice Association for Women’s Education.