Lippe, Principality. A Princely House Order, 2nd Class, c.1917

(Fürstlich Lippischer Hausorden Ehrenkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 25 October 1869 by Prince Leopold II of Lippe and Prince Adolf Georg I of Schaumburg-Lippe. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, with swords through the centrepiece, the obverse with a central white enameled disc bearing a red enameled Lippe rose, within a blue enameled ring bearing a silvered inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), set within an eight-pointed ribbed starburst, the reverse with a central red enameled disc bearing a raised monogram of Prince Leopold II, set within an eight-pointed ribbed starburst, the twelve o’clock arm with a ribbed fan bearing an integrated loop, in turn connecting to a suspension ring with a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 57.19 mm (w) x 63.58 mm (h), weighing 44.9 grams, with minor flecking of enamels and loss of gilt finish evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.