Prussia, Kingdom. A Superb Order of the Red Eagle Grand Cross, with Case, by Johann Wagner & Söhne

(Roter Adler Orden, Großkreutz mit Bruststern und Etui). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1861-1918 issue). A rare and exquisite Grand Cross set of the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, including a cross, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, each joined through the quadrants by red enameled Prussian imperial eagles with featuring highlighted in Gold, the obverse featuring a central Gold medallion bearing a raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”) with laurel branches, the reverse featuring a central Gold medallion bearing a raised date of “DEN 18 OCTOBR: 1861”, within a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by an integral loop completing in a suspension ring connecting to a period original full-length sash ribbon, the six o’clock arm marker marked “W” for the firm of Johann Wagner & Söhne, Berlin, measuring 82.15 mm (w) x 81.80 mm (h), weighing 54.6 grams, in extremely fine condition; accompanied by a matching breast star, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, featuring a central white enameled medallion bearing a hand-painted and finely-detailed Prussian eagle clutching a sword and sceptre, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” with laurel leaf branches, surrounded by ribbed rings on both the interior and exterior, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, the six o’clock position maker marked “W” for the firm of Johann Wagner & Söhne, Berlin, measuring 90.92 mm (w) x 90.80 mm (h), weighing 54.6 grams, demonstrating only minor tarnishing which gives the decoration a pleasing patina, in extremely fine condition; the decorations accompanied by their period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid featuring an intricate gilded embossed frame, the interior with a padded black satin lid liner, retaining two intact hinge straps which cover the functional metal hinges, with a retractable and depressed black velvet medal bed, sliding to reveal a hollow chamber for the storage of the cross’s neck ribbon, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 134 mm (w) x 240 mm (l) x 58 mm (h), with minor and age-appropriate material fatigue visible to the exterior, in near extremely fine condition.