Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. A Superb House & Merit Order of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Grand Cross in Gold with Swords & Laurels, c.1918

(Oldenburger Haus- und Verdienstorden, Großkreuz mit Schwertern, Lorbeer, und Bruststern).
Instituted 27 November 1838 by Grand Duke Paul Friedrich Ludwig. (1841-1918 issue; c.1918 manufacture). 

Of the highest rarity and not often presented to the global market, an exceptional Grand Cross with Swords and Oak Leaves, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a silver frame and white enameled arms, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid across the three and nine o’clock arm with laurel branches constructed of silver gilt and with leaves finely executed in green enamel, each securely riveted through the six and twelve o’clock arms, bearing a central blue enameled medallion overlaid by a raised silver monogram of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, within a ring of dark red enamel bearing a silvered inscription of “EIN GOTT, EIN RECHT, EINE WAHRHEIT” (“ONE GOD, ONE RIGHTEOUSNESS, ONE TRUTH”), in turn set within dual gold rings, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted Oldenburg coat of arms, the arms overlaid by hand-painted dates of “21. MAI 1829”, “27 NOV. 1838”, “6 JUL. 1785”, and “17. JAN. 1755” clockwise from the three o’clock arm, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop connecting to a hollow crown suspension culminating in a final loop for ribbon suspension, the latter included and consisting of a full-length sash constructed of dark blue rayon trimmed along both edges with red tresses, the cross unmarked and measuring 56.99 mm (w) x 60.82 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), the crown measuring 35.02 mm (w) x 31.01 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighing 48.8 grams overall, a historically important example and one of the most notable decorations of the First War, stands in extremely fine condition.


Provenance:  Thies Auctions: Catalog 48, Lot 85 (May 11 2012)