Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Red Eagle, Reduced Collar, by Rothe, c.1920

Instituted November 17, 1705. Likely of Rothe manufacture, in silver gilt, a small collar comprising 21 links of alternating monograms, wreaths with swords, and eagle links. There are a total of six monograms links featuring the central WR monogram surrounded by a blue ring inscribed SINCERE ET CONSTANTER, surmounted by a large crown, the reverse plain, with two integral rings on each side, each link measures 28.42mm (w) x 35.56mm (h). The wreath with swords links are between each monogram and eagle link, featuring a crossed sword and baton through a half laurel and half oak leaf wreath, the reverse of each is plain with two integral rings on each side, measures 25.25mm (w) x 23.90mm (h), the central monogram link features a small ring at 6 o’clock for a collar badge, the reverse of which is hallmarked denoting Vienna manufacture from 1925 for gold and silver items. The remaining five links are red enamelled eagles on its chest, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed SINCERE ET CONSTANTER, with a surmounting crown, the reverse is plain, measures 25.55mm (w – including integral rings) x 35.45mm (h). Several replacement rings between links, and two rings missing, the links are inconsistent at the clasp duplicating the monogram link, possibly missing several links, the collar in its entirety measures 585mm in length, weighs 144.3 grams, several links showing enamel chips in the blue rings, a rare collar which remains in very fine condition.