Saxony, Kingdom. An Albrecht Order, Grand Cross in Gold, by G.A. Scharffenberg, c.1900

(Albrecht-Orden, Großkreuz mit Bruststern). Instituted 1850 by Friedrich August II of Saxony. Type II. (1876-1918 issue). An Albrecht Order, Grand Cross with Breast Star, the former constructed of Gold consisting of a Latin Cross with white enamelled arms, the quadrants of the cross joined by a green enameled oak leaf wreath, obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a rightward-facing Gold profile of Albrecht III, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring with a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE MERCIFUL”) and arabesques, reverse with an analogous white enamelled medallion bearing a Gold and enamelled Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring with a gilt date of “1850” and arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with a hollow Gold crown suspension, unmarked, measuring 53.46 mm (w) x 93.21 mm (h- inclusive of suspension apparatus), weighing 34.3 grams, with enamel loss to obverse nine o’clock arm, otherwise in near extremely fine condition, including its period original sash, constructed of woven green and white ribbon, measuring 101 mm (w) x 810 mm (l) as presented, accompanied by its breast star, constructed of silver and Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a Gold rightward-facing profile of Albrecht III, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERT ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE MERCIFUL”), inside of a pebbled Gold ring, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden - Goldarbeiter F.D.K.S. Ordenscanz”, measuring 92.88 mm (w) x 92.15 mm (h), weighing 68.4 grams, minor tarnishing of silver evident, otherwise in extremely fine condition.