France, II Empire. An Order of the Holy Spirit Star, c.1850

(Ordre du Saint-Esprit). Instituted by Henry III in 1578. A finely detailed silver star, comprising a Maltese cross with each arm portraying richly detailed etching providing the appearance of a field of sequins, with ball finials, and large fleur-de-lys between each arm, the central medallion bears two smooth silver rings with lightly pebbled fields between, and a surmounting dove attached with a spring, the doves’ body is finely etched and feathered presenting five tail feathers and four long feathers on each wingtip, the reverse presents a pin assembly with dual stays, unmarked, measures 85mm (w) x 86mm (h), light residue on outer silver ring, tarnishing on pebbled fields between central rings, very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was founded by Henry III in 1578 as a reaction to the overuse of the Order of St. Michael. The new Order was restricted to 100 members, much less than the several hundred living members of the Order of Saint Michael. It also served as a commemoration of Henry III’s Catholic faith and his accession to the throne of France and Poland. The Order was discontinued during the Revolution on July 30, 1791 and was later re-established by Louis XVIII on September 28, 1814. It remained the highest Order of Chivalry conferred by the Monarchy until it was permanently discontinued in 1830.