Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of St.George in Gold, Miniature, c.1890

(Großes Verdienstkreuz Königlich Bayerischer Haus-Ritter-Orden vom Heiligen Georg). Instituted by Elector Charles Albert of Bavaria on 24 April 1729, Commander Cross (1729-1918). Presenting as a blue enameled Maltese Cross with broad white enameled edges, within a Gold frame. The arms of the cross are joined by blue and white diamond shields with Gold edges and finials. On the diamond shields, there are golden initials of “VIBI” (VIRGINI IMMACULATE BAVARIA IMMACULATA / IMMACULATE BAVARIA FOR THE IMMACULATE VIRGIN). A central Gold medallion depicts the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The reverse presents with an analogous design, with red enamel. Golden initials of “IVPF,” (“IUSTUS VT PALMA FLOREBIT / DISTINGUISHED FOR JUSTICE AND GLORY”) are embossed around the centre. The Gold central medallion depicts a left-facing St. George fighting the dragon, framed by a green enameled laurel branch. The decoration hangs from a white and blue enameled porous shield held by a golden lion head carrying a blue enameled mobile hanger. It weighs 3.5 grams, and measures 15 mm (w) x 27 mm (h) inclusive of its lion's head suspension. There is slight flecking of the enamel from wear, but the cross is in extremely fine condition.