This item is part of A Century of German Stars; 1830-1930. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Preußische Rote Adlerorden, Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Issued 1861-1918. Civil Division. An eight-pointed rayed star constructed of silver gilt, the obverse with a central white enamelled field depicting a hand painted Brandenburg crowned eagle, surrounded by a broad blue enamelled ring, inscribed “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (Latin - Sincere and resistant), the reverse plain, with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly, marked W (for Wagner) below catch at 6 o’clock, measures 90mm (w) x 90mm (h), weighs 76.6 grams, enamels intact, lovely insignia, scattered gilt wear, in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: This Order was originally founded by Margrave Georg Wilhelm of Brandenburg-Bayreuth as the Ordre de la Sincerité. The Type V (1854-1918)/ Model IV awards feature red eagles on the obverse. There is a great deal of variation within the Types of the Order. Small variations in design exist because of different manufacturers.