Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Order of the Red Eagle, II Class Breast Star with Brilliance

(Roter Adler-Orden, II Bruststern mit Brillanten). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1854-1918 issue). A rare and highly desirable example of the order, constructed of Gold and silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a rhomboid star, its arms featuring 56 rays pebbled with vibrant cut glass stones, overlaid by a Cross Pattée with a Gold frame and white enameled arms, bearing a central white enameled medallion with a Gold and enameled Hohenzollern Eagle clutching a laurel wreath, within a ring of 30 cut glass stones, surrounded by a final ring of white enamel bearing a raised gilt order motto of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“SINCERE AND CONSTANT”) with laurel branches of identical construction, surrounded by a ring with 32 cut glass stones, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, flanked by stabilizing hooks, with four visible rivets holding the obverse features in place, unmarked, measuring 81.70 mm (w) x 82.65 mm (h), weighing 72.8 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident, with apparent replacement of several of the glass stones, in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A published exemplar of this class of the order, the star offered can be found on page 94 of “Orden 1700-2000”, Volume 3, by Karsten Klingbeil (2008).