Saxony, Kingdom. An Albert Order, I Class Commander’s Cross in Gold, c. 1900

(Albrechtsorden, Komturkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1876-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by a finely-detailed laurel leaf wreath executed with green and red enamels within a Gold frame, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a leftward-facing Gold profile of Duke Albert III, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE VALIANT”), the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt date of “1850” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension on a swivel hinge with a loop and suspension ring retaining a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 53.26 mm (w) x 88.77 mm (h), weighing 34.1 grams, a striking and high-quality example in extremely fine condition.