Germany, Prussia. An Order of the Red Eagle, II Class Cross & Star with Documents to Napoleone Capanna

(Roter Adler Orden, Kreuz II. Klasse mit Bruststern und Verleihungsurkunden). A rare combined set of the Order of the Red Eagle, II Class, accompanied by award documents to Italian recipient Napoleone Guglielmo Pietro Capanna, consisting of:

1. A cross, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms within a Gold frame, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion bearing a hand-painted red Hohenzollern imperial eagle adorned with a crown and clutching a laurel wreath, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt and dimpled monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, the twelve o’clock arm with topped by an integral loop with a suspension ring retaining a period original full-length neck ribbon, unmarked with the exception of a hand-etched number appearing to read “01077”, measuring 47.47 mm (w) x 51.61 mm (h), weighing 21.1 grams, with minor flecking of enamels evident, in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a four-pointed radiant star, the obverse overlaid by a Cross Pattée with a Gold frame and white enameled arms, bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by a hand-painted red Hohenzollern imperial eagle adorned with a crown and clutching laurel wreath, within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“SINCERE AND UNWAVERING”), set within dual ribbed rings, the reverse with four visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked “N” for Neuhaus & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 79.75 mm (w) x 80.04 mm (h), weighing 71.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the interior with a padded black satin lid liner and slotted black velvet medal bed, unmarked, measuring 94 mm (w) x 94 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), the hinge is missing and the case demonstrates moderate materwith minor flecking and tarnishing evident to the enamel and silver base, respectively, in extremely fine condition.

3. A pair of award documents, including the set’s period original German-issued certificate, constructed of off-white paper stock with black ink, named to “NAPOLEON GUGLIELMO PIETRO CAPANNA” (an Italian General of Reserves), dated 22 October 1875, featuring the handwritten signature of Kaiser Wilhelm I in clear black ink, measuring 23 cm (w) x 35.5 cm (h); concealed within the certificate is a document from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming Capanna as a foreign recipient of the Order of the Red Eagle, II Class, dated 24 May 1877 and conferred 28 May, measuring 22 cm (w) x 32 cm (h); a handwritten letter from Capanna, dated 22 October 1875, measuring 21 cm (w) x 31 cm (h), and; small certificate from the Administration of State Property and Business taxes, named to Capanna and dated 16 May 1877, measuring 12 cm (w) x 14 cm (h); all in extremely fine condition.