Baden, Grand Duchy. A Rare Order of the Zähringer Lion, Grand Cross Breast Star, Published Example by P. Willett

(Orden vom Zähringer Löwen Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 26 December 1812 by Grand Duke Karl Friedrich. (1815-1918 issue; c. 1830 manufacture). A very early and rare example of an Order of the Zähringer Lion Grand Cross Breast Star, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt Baden lion rampant, within a pebbled circular ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR EHRE UND WAHRHEIT” (“FOR HONOUR AND TRUTH”), joined together at the bottom by clutches of laurel leaves, set within dual ribbed rings, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, flanked on each side by downward-pointing stabilizing hooks, featuring a central raised medallion bearing a maker’s mark of “P. WILLETT IN CARLSRUHE”, surrounded by four rivets which securely hold the obverse applique in place, an example of the earliest metal star of the Order of the Zähringer Lion demonstrating the highest quality of jeweller craftsmanship, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The piece offered was featured as an example of an early version of the decoration on pages 58-59 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-2000”, Volume 1, #142 (GO Druck media, Kircheim unter Teck, 2008).