Hesse-Kassel, Landgraviate. An Order of the Gold Lion, Grand Cross Badge, Exhibition Example

(Hausorden vom Goldenen Löwen, Museumsstück). Instituted 14 August 1770 by Landgrave Friedrich II. Constructed of gilded bronze, with an integral suspension loop and double suspension ring, consisting of a central Hessian lion rampant, the obverse circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRTUTE ET FIDELITATE” (“VIRTUE AND FIDELITY”), the reverse circumscribed by an inscription of “FRIEDERICUS.II.D.G.HASSIÆ. - LANDGRAVIUS INSTITUIT”, with an institution date of “1770”, unmarked, measuring 38.74 mm (w) x 53.76 mm (h), weighing 22.8 grams, a museum exhibition example in extremely fine condition.