Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Order of the Crown, II Class Cross in Gold, by Zehn

(Königlicher Kronen-Orden Kreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 18 October 1861 by King Wilhelm I. (1869-1916 issue). Constructed of 18K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms situated within a Gold frame and trimmed with gilt borders, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a raised crown, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with arabesques, the reverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “DEN 18 OCTOBER 1861”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring retaining a period original confectioned neck ribbon, the centrepiece marked between the six and nine o’clock arms for the Berlin-based jeweller Zehn, measuring 52.92 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, demonstrating some flecking and surface scratching throughout the enamels, with a period repair visible to the top of the obverse twelve o’clock arm, and a chip to the eight o’clock position of the reverse blue enameled ring, a high-quality example produced by a seldomly-encountered maker, in better than very fine condition.