Mecklenburg-Schwerin. An Order of the Wendish Crown, Commander's Cross in Gold, c. 1900

1864-1918 Issue. (Hausorden der Wendischen Krone Komturkreuz). A superb commander’s cross in Gold, featuring a white enamelled Maltese cross with a highly detailed and delicately etched Gold griffin in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a Wendish crown on a rich blue enamelled field, surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed PER ASPERA AD ASTRA (Through Thick to the Light), the reverse medallion presents the royal monography on a blue enamelled field, surrounded by an etched Gold ring , the badge is surmounted by a large golden royal crown, measures 64.33mm (w) x 92.20mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 54.8 grams (excluding ribbon), worn on correct replacement ribbon, singular chip to red enamel ring on obverse medallion at 6 o’clock, otherwise flawless enamels, very minor wear wear, lovely details, in better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was jointly founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duke Frederick William of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and was conferred upon citizens who rendered meritorious civil and military service to the House. Only members of recognized Christians churches were allowed to receive the Order.