Hesse-Kassel, Landgraviate. An Order of the Lion, Grand Cross Badge, Exhibition Example
(Hausorden vom Goldenen Löwen, Museumsstück). Instituted 14 August 1770 by Landgrave Friedrich II. Constructed of gilded bronze, on a double loop suspension, consisting of a central Hessian lion rampant, the obverse circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRTUTE ET FIDELITATE” (“VIRTUE AND FIDELITY”), the reverse with an inscription of “HESSIÆ ELECTOR WILHELMUS I” (“HESSE ELECTOR WILHELM I”), unmarked, measuring 40.22 mm (w) x 54.76 mm (h), weighing 33.8 grams, in extremely fine condition.

