Baden, Grand Duchy. An Order of the Zähringer Lion, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords

(Orden vom Zähringer Löwen Ritterkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 26 December 1812 by Grand Duke Karl Friedrich. (1866-1918 issue). Constructed of partially gilded silver with Gold and enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse featuring translucent green enameled arms, with an enameled centrepiece bearing a hand-painted depiction of the Stammschloss Zähringen, set within a ribbed Gold ring, with gilt crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, overlaying silvered arabesques which join the arms through the quadrants, the reverse with a central red enameled medallion bearing a Gold Zähringer lion rampant, set within a ribbed Gold ring, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original length of ribbon, unmarked, measuring 39.74 mm (w) x 42.36 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, with minor oxidation evident to the silver, an otherwise flawless example in extremely fine condition.