Schaumburg-Lippe, Principality. A Schaumburg-Lippe House Order in Gold, III Class Cross, c.1900

(Fürstlich-Lippische Hausorden, III. Klasse Ehrenkreuz). Instituted 18 September 1890 by Adolf Georg I. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with a Gold frame and white enameled arms, the obverse with a central red enameled rose on a white enameled background, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), within a ribbed eight-pointed gilt star, the reverse with a gilt monogram of Adolf Georg I on a blue enameled background, similarly within an ribbed eight-pointed gilt star, the twelve o’clock arm with a ribbed fan and suspension loop connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 43.29 mm (w) x 48.29 mm (h), weighing 22.3 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident, otherwise in extremely fine condition.