Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. An Order of the Griffin, Honour Cross, by Heinrich Rose

(Greifenorden Ehrenkreuz). Instituted 15 September 1884 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. (1884-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a vaulted Maltese Cross, the obverse with red enameled arms displaying pronounced hatching, overlaid by a central pebbled and gilt medallion bearing a raised Griffin, in turn situated within a gilded circular ring, the reverse with a wide barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked “H. ROSE, SCHWERIN” for the noted jeweller Heinrich Rose, measuring 54.49 mm (w) x 54.04 mm (h), weighing 27.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.