Saxony, Kingdom. A Rare Military Order of St. Henry, Grand Cross Breast Star, for Napoleonic War Service, c. 1810

(Militär-St.-Heinrichs-Orden, Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 7 October 1736 by Elector Augustus III. (1807-1918 issue; c. 1810 manufacture). A rare and early example of the Grand Cross Breast Star of the Military Order of St. Henry, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, bearing a central enameled medallion overlaid by a detailed and hand-painted depiction of St. Henry wielding a trident and orb, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a partially-legible gilt inscription of “FRID. AUG. III. REX. SAX. INSTAURA” (“INSTITUTED BY KING FRIEDRICH AUGUST III OF SAXONY”), within dual knotted gilt rings, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked, measuring 71.47 mm (w) x 70.58 mm (h), weighing 43.5 grams, with sporadic chipping and cracking evident to the blue enameled ring and with minor tarnishing evident to the base metal, a rare and early example of the award issued for service in the period of the Napoleonic Wars, in very fine condition.

Footnote: This example was previously sold by Andreas Thies Auction House, lot number 32, auction number 67 (28 September 2019).