Reuss, County. A Cased Princely Honour Cross, I Class with Crown, by Bury & Leonhard

(Fürstlich Reußisches Ehrenkreuz I. Klasse mit Krone). Instituted 25.5.1869 by Duke Henry XIV. (1885-1918 Issue). A Gold Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and Gold rays emanating from the centre, with obverse central medallion depicting a Gold Reuss coat of arms topped by a royal crown over a bed of red enamel. The medallion is in turn ringed by a Gold border. The reverse features an analogous central medallion composed of a raised Gold monogram of Henry XIV on a black enameled background, similarly ringed by silver gilt. The top of the cross has a barrel hinge-style swivel suspension holding in place a hollow Gold suspension crown, with a Gold ring through which is looped the decoration’s period original ribbon. The cross measures 51.67 mm (w) x 80.06 mm (h), inclusive of crown suspension apparatus, and weighs 32.2 without its ribbon. Accompanied by its period original case of issue, constructed of heavy cardstock with a faux red leather exterior. The interior features a blue satin-type lid liner, with gold embossed maker’s logo reading “BURY & LEONHARD, HOFJUWELIERE, HANAU”, as well as a recessed blue felt medal bed. The case has a functional metal hinge, spring catch, and exterior stud release. The case measures 78 mm (w) x 117 mm (l). There is some age-appropriate wear to the ribbon, but the decoration is in an otherwise near mint condition.