Saxony, Kingdom. An Albert Order, Officer’s Cross with Case, by G.A. Scharffenberg, c.1910

(Albrechtsorden, Offizierskreuz mit Etui). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross, the obverse with white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by an exquisite green enameled oak leaf wreath, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a detailed crown, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, with a central medallion featuring a raised Saxon coat of arms, circumscribed by a maker’s mark of “G.A. SCHARFFENBERG, DRESDEN”, measuring 46.22 mm (w) x 70.75 mm (h), weighing 28.9 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux maroon leather exterior liner, the interior with a blue rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 58 mm (w) x 85 mm (l), a superb set in extremely fine condition.