Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Rare Leopold Order, Unissued Grand Cross Prototype, by Zimmermann

(Leopold-Orden, Großehrenkreuz Protoyp). Instituted 24 July 1906 by Prince Leopold IV. (Grand Cross issued 1910-1918). An exceptionally rare, unissued prototype of the Grand Cross of the Leopold Order, constructed of silvered with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with each arm completing in ball finials, each joined together through the quadrants by detailed silver monograms of Prince Leopold, the obverse of the arms featuring a rich violet-blue enameled finish, bearing a central raised Lippe rose, in turn defaced by an enameled centrepiece consisting of a red risc overlaid by a blue enameled bird clutching a gilt star, in turn surrounded by a ring of dark green enamel bearing a silvered inscription of “FIEDELTIER SINE TIMORE” (“FAITHFULLY AND WITHOUT FEAR”) with an institution date of “1906”, the twelve o’clock arm overlaid by a silver crossed sword clasp. The reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 73.95 mm (w) x 74.73 mm (h), weighing 53.4 grams, with minor flecking visible to the enamels, a scarce and unawarded prototype demonstrating high-quality manufacturing, in near mint condition.