(Orden von Zähringer Löwen Bruststern zum Kommandeurkreuz). Instituted on 22 January 1809. (1840-1918 Issue). A silver four armed star with clusters of five individual rays, with an arabesque and two leaves in each quadrant, a superimposed four armed green enamelled cross surrounding the silver gilt central medallion which depicts the extremely detailed hand-painted ruins of the Stammschloss Zähringen, a red-enamelled ring surrounds the medallion, with a hand-filed motto in Gold stating FÜR EHRE UND WAHRHEIT (FOR HONOUR AND TRUTH), reverse presents a single pin assembly and four rivets for the green enamelled cross, measuring 88.45mm (w) x 87.42mm (h), weighing 54.7 in grams, presents beautifully executed enamels with no loss or chipping, very dark patina on silver arms, in extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by a section of the Order’s ribbon in green and orange watered silk, measuring 592mm (l) x 68mm (w), light fraying at one end, in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: It is suggested that the Order was founded by Grand Duke Karl in 1809 and named in the memory of his ancient predecessors, the Dukes of Zähringen. However, the actual foundation of the order is attributed to the Grand Duke Charles, who established the Order on the name day of his consort, Stephanie of Beauharnais, in 1812. On June 17, 1840, the statues of the Order were officially instituted by Grand Duke Ludwig. The I Class Commander and II Class Commander are identical, the only difference between the two grades is that the I Class Commander is awarded with an associated Breast Star.