Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Red Eagle, I Class Star in Silver, Gold and Brilliance, c. 1860

Revived as a chivalric order by King Frederick William II in 1792, the Order of the Red Eagle was the second highest award of the Kingdom of Prussia up until the end of the First War and legal end to the Prussian monarchy. A favourite amongst collectors, the Red Eagle is arguably the most aesthetically attractive order commissioned by the Kingdom and one that many of Germany's most notable historical figures received for their contributions to the state or crown. In rare circumstances, a I class star of extraordinary appearance was commissioned for presentation by the King and to denote special distinction. Notable recipients of this special grade included Military General & Prime Minister of Prussia Ernst von Pfuel, Wilhelm Graf von Hohenthal und Bergen, as well as Karl von Neidhardt, Grand-ducal Hessian. These seldomly requested stars were each custom manufactured by a number of select jeweler workshops. Each star represented and was produced with the specific recipient at the centre of its design, composition, and complexity. For example, the size of the stones or diamonds were a reflection of the goodwill of the King towards a particular recipient and their relationship. In addition to a symbol of contribution and achievement, this grade of star was considered as an indirect financial contribution to the associated recipient. As such, stars were considered non returnable to the General Order Commission, and typically remained with the recipient and their family. With the collapse of the German monarchy and the state economy following the First War, in addition to the inevitable passing of original recipients, stars were often cannibalized for their physical tangible values. This process amplified the rarity of surviving stars. To this end, acquired in the autumn of 2020, eMedals presents to the private market, a rare surviving example of the Red Eagle Order I Class with Brilliance.

 

(Roter Adler Orden, Bruststern zur I. Klasse). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. Of superb official manufacture, constructed of silver body with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, each arm consisting of clusters of six rays, each ray embedded with 5 to 7 synthetic clear stones (diamond imitation as was customary at the period), each cluster is on a separate hinge allowing the arms to shift slightly, the obverse with a central white enamelled medallion, bearing a raised detailed red enamelled Gold eagle clutching a green enamelled laurel crown, within a ring of 28 stones, in turn surrounded by a white enamelled ring bearing a raised Gold inscription of SINCERE ET CONSTANTER (SINCERE AND PERSISTENT) and a green enamelled laurel branches, within a ring of 24 large synthetic stones, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback assembly, with Gold curved extending arms limiting the motion of each cluster of rays, measuring 84.23mm (w) x 87.47mm (h), weighing 65.5 grams, enamels intact, all stones intact, small hole in while enamel near the “N” of SINCERE, overall extremely fine condition, very attractive  and very rare.