Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Black Eagle, Breast Star c. 1840

(Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler, Bruststern). Instituted 17 January 1701 by King Friedrich I. (1701-19181 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, featuring a central gilded and pebbled medallion overlaid by a black enameled Prussian imperial eagle, set within a pebbled circular silver ring bearing a raised gilded inscription of “SUUM CUIQUE” (“TO EACH HIS OWN”) and a partially enameled laurel wreath, in turn surrounded by a ribbed ring, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flattened catch, unmarked, measuring 79.45 mm (w) x 79.30 mm (h), weighing 66.0 grams, with minor flecking and surface chipping visible to the enamels, a very scarce and early example in near extremely fine condition.