Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. An Order of the Griffin, Grand Cross Star, by Heinrich Rose, c.1910

(Greifen-Orden, Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 15 September 1884 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. (1884-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse with a central raised gilt medallion bearing a finely-detailed gilt Griffin, surrounded by a ribbed silver ring, within a ring of red enamel bearing a raised gilt inscription of “ALTIOR ADVERSIS” (“AGAINST ALL ODDS”) and laurel leaf branches, within a final ribbed silver ring, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “H. ROSE, SCHWERIN”, measuring 80.96 mm (w) x 81.58 mm (h), weighing 70.6 grams, some of the gilt finishing has been lost, in otherwise extremely fine condition.