Saxony, Kingdom. An Albert Order, I Class Knight’s Cross in Gold, c.1900

(Albrechtsorden, Ritterkreuz I. Klasse in Gold). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1850-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by an exquisite green enameled oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid a Gold rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing an analogous white enameled medallion overlaid by a Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt date of “1850” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 36.31 mm (w) x 47.76 mm (h), weighing 14.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), a striking example in extremely fine condition.