Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. An Order of the Griffin, Commander’s Star

(Greifenorden Bruststern zum Komturkreuz). Instituted 15 September 1884 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV and Adolf Friedrich V. (1884-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst with shortened diagonal rays, bearing a central raised and gilded griffin, set within a circular red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ALTIOR ADVERSIS” (“AGAINST ALL ODDS”) joined together at the bottom by laurel branches, in turn surrounded by ribbed rings, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a rounded catch, measuring 81.28 mm (w) x 82.35 mm (h), weighing 61.8 grams, in extremely fine condition.