Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Red Eagle, I Class Breast Star, c. 1870

(Roter Adler Orden, Bruststern zum I. Klasse). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1861-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted red Hohenzollern imperial eagle executed in exceptional detail, set within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“SINCERE AND UNWAVERING”), joined together at the bottom by laurel branches, in turn surrounded by ribbed silver rings, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback with a ball tip, in turn meeting a rounded catch, unmarked, measuring 91.02 mm (w) x 90.62 mm (h), weighing 77.6 grams, with minor and age-appropriate tarnishing evident, in near extremely fine condition.