Hungary, Kingdom. An Order of St. Stephen, Grand Cross Star, c. 1900
(Magyar Királyi Szent István Iovagrend). Instituted 1764 by Empress Maria Theresa. (Issued 1764-1946). This is an extremely well-preserved Order of St. Stephen, Grand Cross Breast Star, of multi-piece construction, consisting of an eight-pointed silver star, with a central red enameled medallion depicting white enameled Patriarchal Cross, on a field of red enamel flanked by gilded letters “M” and “T” above a gilded Hungarian royal crown, surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse plain, with a vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 85.14 mm (w) x 85.50 mm (h) and weighing 60.8 grams, some flecking of the enamels but otherwise in extremely fine condition.

