Mecklenburg-Schwerin. A House Order of the Wendisch Crown, Grand Cross Sash Badge

(Hausorden der Wendischen Krone, Großkreuz). Issued 1864-1918. A large Maltese cross constructed of silver gilt, with white enameled arms, and lions between each of the arms of the cross; the the obverse with a central medallion of blue enamels, with a raised silver gilt Wendish crown, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Per Aspera Ad Astra” (Latin - Through Struggle to the Light) in silver gilt capital letters; the reverse with a central medallion of blue enamels, inscribed in silver gilt with the royal monogram; suspended from arabesques in the shape of an ambigram of the royal monogram, and suspended from a hollow swivel silver gilt crown; with a correct replacement sash ribbon; the enamels extremely well preserved; in overall better than extremely fine condition.