Nassau-Saarbrücken, Principality. An Extremely Rare Order of True Loyalty, Member’s Cross in Gold, Published Example c. 1792

(Orden der Ächten Treue, Ordenskreuz in Gold). Instituted 1 March 1788 by Prince Ludwig. (1788-1797 issue). A rare (probably less then 10 pieces manufactured) Member’s Cross of the Nassau-Saarbrücken Order of the Great Treasure, constructed of Gold with enamels, consisting of an elongated Latin Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central white enameled oval medallion overlaid by a hand-painted integrated monogram, with the arms bearing a hand-painted inscription of “ÆCHTE TREUE BRINGT KEINE REUE” (“TRUE LOYALTY BRINGS NO REGRET”), the reverse bearing an analogous central white enameled overlaid by a hand-painted flower topped by shaking hands, with the three and nine o’clock arms bearing monograms and the six and twelve o’clock arms bearing a hand-painted institution date of “INSTIT’D I MART 1788”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop connecting to a crown suspension, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of finest-quality jeweller manufacture by the firm of Christian Herrenschmidt, measuring 40.91 mm (w) x 68.16 mm (h), weighing 29.8 grams, minor flecking consistent with age is evident and the decoration is missing its ribbon, an exceptionally RARE decoration (possibly UNIQUE) in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This particular example was featured as an exemplar of the award on page 110 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-2000”, Volume 2 (GO Druck media, Kircheim unter Teck, 2008).