Schaumburg-Lippe, Principality. A Rare Princely House Order, II Class Cross in Gold with Case, by Carl Büsch

(Fürstlich Lippischer Hausorden Ehrenkreuz II. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 25 October 1869 by Prince Leopold III of Lippe and Prince Adolf I Georg of Schaumburg-Lippe. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms set within a Gold frame, the obverse bearing a central Gold eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central red enameled medallion bearing a silver nettle leaf, in turn inset with a red enameled Lippe rose, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), the reverse bearing a central Gold eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central red enameled medallion bearing a gilt monogram of Prince Adolf I Georg, topped by a fan suspension with an integral loop and ring retaining a period original abbreviated length of ribbon, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux purple leather exterior liner, the lid bearing the award class in embossed and gilded lettering, topped by a crown, the interior with a padded purple satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a maker’s mark of “CARL BÜSCH, HANNOVER”, with a retractable dark navy blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 85 mm (w) x 115 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), a scarce and exquisite example in extremely fine condition.