Saxony, Kingdom. A Rare Military Order of St. Henry, Grand Cross Breast Star, c.1805

(Königlicher Militär St. Heinrichs-Orden, Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 7 October 1736 by Prince Elector August III. (c. 1805 issue). A rare and striking Breast Star to the Grand Cross of the Military Order of St. Henry, constructed of gilded silver, presenting as an eight-pointed star with each ray culminating in a narrow eyelet for sew-on attachment, the rays of the obverse featuring cascading steps emulating the sequins featured on embroidered versions, bearing a central pale yellow enameled disc featuring a hand-painted and finely-detailed depiction of St. Henry (Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor) wielding an orb and sceptre, flanked by name, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “VIRTUTI IN BELLO” (“BRAVERY IN WAR”) with arabesques, the reverse plain, unmarked, measuring 94.20 mm (w) x 93.55 mm (h), weighing 75.2 grams, with only minor flecking of enamels evident, a scarce example of one of the earliest metal breast stars during the transition away from embroidered examples in extremely fine condition.