Saxony, Kingdom. An Exceptionally Rare Albert Order Set, Grand Cross with Swords on Ring and Breast Star, by G.A. Scharffenberg

(Albrechtsorden Großkreuz mit Schwertern am Ring und Bruststern). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1879-1918 issue). An exceptionally rare and well-preserved Albert Order set, consisting of:

1. A Grand Cross with Swords on Ring, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms, joined together through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath executed in green and red enamels set within a Gold frame, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a Gold and rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE VALIANT”) and arabesques, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion, overlaid by a Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt institution date of “1850” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a pedestal riveted at the front with a crossed sword clasp, retaining a functional hinge connecting to a crown suspension topped by a ring, the latter connecting to a functional spring clip emanating from a period original full-length sash ribbon, unmarked, measuring 53.12 mm (w) x 99.62 mm (h), weighing 40.0 grams, with minor flecking visible to the enamels which include a small scratch to the reverse nine o’clock arm showing a possible repair, in overall extremely fine condition.

2. A Breast Star to the Grand Cross, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded and rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE VALIANT”), in turn surrounded by gilded and pebbled rings, topped by a crossed sword clasp with an unspoiled silver finish to provide an effective contrast against the gilded base, the reverse with a single visible rivet securing the sword clasp in place, set below a raised barrel hinge accommodating a narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked “G.A. SCHARFFENBERG, DRESDEN” for the famous Saxon court jeweller, measuring 92.75 mm (w) x 92.10 mm (h), weighing 77.0 grams, in extremely fine condition. Footnote: An exceptionally rare decoration, the Grand Cross with Swords on Ring was awarded to only two recipients. Accordingly, reference material is lacking, but photographs of this class of the Albert Order are found on pages 235-237 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-200”, Volume 2, GO Druck Media (2008).