Prussia, State. A Red Eagle Order, II Class in Gold to British Recipient

A Prussian Red Eagle Order; 2nd Class in Gold to British Recipient; Of the highest quality and condition; in Gold and enamels, weighing 22.1 grams, beautifully hand-painted obverse centrepiece, Royal cypher of King Friedrich Wilhelm in Gold with dimple-engraved accents on the reverse centrepiece, marked "N" (for Neuhaus & Sohn, Berlin)on the edge of the lower arm, 47.7 mm, on toned period ribbon, near mint. Accompanied by a Letter of Permission from Buckingham Palace allowing Henderson to Wear the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle (addressed to "Lieut. Colonel Henderson R.A.M.C.", numbered "726", dated January 25, 1908, inscribed "Sir, I am commanded to inform you that His Majesty is happy to give you private permission to wear the Insignia of the Order of the Red Eagle which was conferred upon you by the German Emperor. This private permission means that you can wear the decoration whenever you are in the presence of Their Majesties, or the German Emperor or Empress (King and Queen of Prussia) or any Member of the Royal Family of Prussia and when invited, on State occasions, to meet and Member of the English Royal Family, the German Ambassador or the Ambassador of King Edward VII in Germany. I have the honour to be Sir, Your obedient Servant," and signed Knollys, the crown and "BUCKINGHAM PALACE" in embossed red ink, the text in black ink, on an off-white paper stock, 191 mm x 270 mm, fold marks); and the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle 2nd Class Award Document, inscribed "Wir Wilhelm, von Gottes Gnaden König von Preußen etc:" (I, Wilhelm, By the Grace of God King of Prussia etc:), named to "Surgeon Colonel Robert Henderson" at "Royal Victoria Hospital Netley", embossed Prussian coat-of-arms in the lower left corner, dated December 19, 1907, signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II, text in black ink, on an off-white paper stock, 210 mm x 328 mm, exhibiting tears along the fold marks with tape repair on the inside spread. Documents very fine.

Footnote: After being awarded the Order of the Red Eagle 2nd Class, on December 19, 1907, Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. Henderson M.D. was named a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps and resigned his commission in that rank, effective December 11, 1908, the announcement appearing in the London Gazette 28219 of Friday, January 29, 1909.