Sweden, Kingdom. A Royal Society Pro Patria, Collar Badge, c.1800

An extremely unique Swedish decoration shrouded in mystery, presents a white enamelled George cross in Gold frame with lightly tooled edges, between each arm is a blue enamelled patriarchal cross recalling the symbolism of the Order of Seraphim, a silver border of thick rose cut glass stones is present around the exterior of each arm and the central medallion, the obverse medallion features a blue enamelled field with three central coronets with inscription PRO PATRIA (“for the fatherland”), with a green enamelled laurel branch at 6 o’clock, the reverse central medallion is in dark blue enamels presenting a detailed pyramid inscribed “EC” in the center set amongst billowing clouds and three five-point stars, with a lamp of learning along the edge at 5 o’clock, the medallion is encircled by a ring of old rose cut glass stones, measures 60.92mm (w) x 64.56mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension ring), weighs 55.9 grams, thick enamel arms in the obverse present cracks, the medallions are likely replacements denoted by the thin enamelling and edges lining the outer stone ring, two arms of the reverse have been poorly replaced likely during the early 1900s and the other two (3 and 6 o’clock may be earlier replacements as well, a chalky residue between the white enamel and stone border on both original reverse arms and obverse 12 o’clock arm, multiple stones missing and several stones replaced, the silver frame presents a very dark patina, light enamel loss to blue patriarchal crosses but have otherwise survived well, both medallions present surface scratches but enamels well intact, the Gold suspension ring is a later addition that has been spliced into the frame possibly at the same time as the re-enamelling of the 9 and 12 o’clock arms, Gold frame presents wear consistent with age, overall this extraordinarily rare badge is in near very fine condition, especially considering its age.