Albania, Principality. A Rare Order of the Black Eagle, Grand Cross Set

Instituted March 26, 1914 by Prince Wilhelm Weid of Albania. A very rare Order, the Sash badge in silver, with eight white enamelled arms with crisp silver flattened finials at each tip, three small rays in the knee of each arm, the obverse medallion featuring a handpainted double headed black eagle on a red enamelled field, encircled by the inscription BESE E BASHKIM, the reverse presents a silver gilt disk with central symbol encircled by a red enamelled ring inscribed with the institution date ME 26 TE MARSIT 1914, surmounting crown at 12 o’clock, measures 51.8 mm (w) x 69.8 mm (h), weighs 29.55 grams, worn on a full length original sash, enamels intact, dark patina and a loss of almost all gilt on the arms and crown, a very rare decoration in extremely fine condition. 

The Star of the Order, in silver, a large eight point star with crisp silver flattened finials at each tip, three small rays in the knee of each arm, the obverse medallion featuring a handpainted double headed black eagle on a red enamelled field, encircled by the inscription BESE E BASHKIM, the reverse presents a single vertical pin, measures 76.23 mm (w) x 76.63 mm (h), dark patina and almost all of the gilt has been lost from the arms, light enamel discolouration on the 12 o’clock arm, central medallion slightly loose, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order was founded by Prince Wilhelm Weid of Albania. This Order was the highest title conferrable upon citizens of the Principality of Albania, and it was awarded to recognize civil and military merit. The Order was discontinued on September 5, 1914, less than 5 months after it was founded, making it one of the rarest European Orders.