Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare and Superb Order of the Red Eagle, Grand Cross in Gold by Humbert & Sohn, from the Karsten Klingbeil Collection

(Roter Adler Orden - Großkreuz in Gold). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1861-1918 issue). A rare and striking example of a Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle, constructed of 18K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms situated within a Gold frame, with each arm joined through the quadrants by double-sided Gold Brandenburg-style Prussian imperial eagles, with details executed in red enamels with hand-chased feathering and gilt highlights, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“SINCERE AND CONSTANT”), joined together at the bottom by a stylized laurel wreath, the reverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a raised institution date of “DEN 18 OCTBR 1861”, situated within a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a rounded eyelet which retains an original suspension ring, the eyelet maker marked with the logo of Humbert & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 80.22 mm (w) x 80.52 mm (h), weighing 60.4 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, with fine hairline surface cracks visible to the obverse three and nine o’clock arms, as well as a small repaired chip to the reverse twelve o’clock arm, a rare and stunning example produced by an early Prussian court jeweller, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This example formerly resided in the assemblage of noted collector and reference guide author Karsten Klingbeil.