Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, I Class Set with Swords in Gold, by Neuhaus & Sohn, c.1914

(Königliche Kronen-Orden, I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 18 October 1861 by Kaiser Wilhelm I. Type II. (1867-1918 issue). A I Class set in Gold, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a Gold frame, the obverse with white enamelled arms, with a central medallion bearing a raised royal crown, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel with a gilt inscription of “GOTT MITT UNS” (“GOD IS WITH US”) and arabesques, the reverse with an analogous medallion bearing the monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm I, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel with gilt inscription of “DEN 18. OCTOBER 1862”, with crossed swords, soldered, of period but not standard manufacture piercing the centre of the cross, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring, measures 61.4mm (w) x 66.10mm (h- inclusive on integral loop), weighs 41.3grams, light wear to white enamel arms, chip in blue enamel ring on reverse near 12 o’clock, in very fine condition. The Star of the Order features an eight point silver star with clusters of smooth rays, the obverse medallion in Gold bearing a raised royal crown, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel with a gilt inscription of “GOTT MITT UNS” (“GOD IS WITH US”) and arabesques, crossed swords of period but not standard manufacture piercing the center of the medallion, the reverse with a single Gold pin assembly, marked N at base of catch for Neuhaus & Sohn, Berlin, base of pin shows jewellers mark VIIII, measures 90.9mm (w) x 90.7mm (h), weighs 72.6 grams, enamels intact, minor wear, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a period blue sash, presenting signs of wear and discoloration in near very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was founded by King Wilhelm I on the day of his coronation and it was awarded in recognition of civil and military merit. On February 27, 1864 crossed swords, through the centre of the cross and on the ring, could be conferred upon awards for military and war merit. These were incorporated to increase the equality of the Order of the Red Eagle. The decorations with swords were largely introduced because of the German-Danish War of 1864. The Type II (1867-1918) Order awards feature a larger crown that fills the central medallion. During the First World War, there were 52 awards of the I Class, 5 of which went to the navy. The swords are made of gold until 1916, after which they were made of silver gilt.