Westphalia, Kingdom. An Exceptionally Rare Order of the Crown of Westphalia, II Class Knight’s Decoration

(Orden der Westfälischen Krone, Ordensdekoration der Ritter II. Klasse). Instituted 25 December 1809 by King Hieronymous (Jerome) Napoleon I. (Type II, 1810-1813 issue). An exceptionally rare type II example of the Order of the Crown of Westphalia, II Class Knight’s Decoration, constructed of silver with blue enamels, consisting of a finely-detailed, double-sided eagle and lion rampant standing back-to-back, topped by a crown, overlaid on the obverse by a blue enameled shield bearing the “HN” monogram of King Hieronymous Napoleon I, in turn flanked by horse and crowned lion rampant, set atop a stylized crown featuring a blue enameled border bearing a silvered motto of “CHARAKTER UND AUFRICHTIGKEIT - ERRICHTET DEN XXV DEC MDCCCIX” (“CHARACTER AND SINCERITY - ESTABLISHED ON 25 DECEMBER 1809”), topped by a swivel hinge bearing a revere inscription of “JE LES UNIS” (“I UNITE THEM”) upon which is perched a detailed imperial eagle, with a suspension loop in the form of a serpent set through the eagle’s crown which in turn retains a period original length of ribbon, the loop stamped with silver hallmarks indicating French manufacture of the highest jeweller’s quality, measuring 24.36 mm (w) x 44.66 mm (h), weighing 12.6 grams, with minor chipping visible to the side of the crown enamel, a superb example of a scarce decoration in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Founded on 25 December 1809 by Hieronymous (Jerome) Napoleon I, brother of French Emperor Napoleon in his capacity as King of Westphalia, the Order of the Crown of Westphalia was established to recognize exceptional acts of heroism and humanitarianism. An exclusive distinction, membership was limited to fixed numbers at each class, with the II Class example offered being limited to 500 individuals at any given time. A scarcely-seen award, a similar decoration was offered for sale by Andreas Thies, Auction 60, 18 June 2016 (lot number 56).