Saxony, Kingdom. An Albert Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords and Crown, by G.A. Scharffenberg

(Albrechtsorden Ritterkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern und Krone). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1903-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular green enameled oak leaf wreath, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”) with arabesques, the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised and enameled Saxon coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an institution date of “1850” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown suspension on a swivel hinge, culminating in an eyelet and loop retaining a period original ribbon, the six o’clock arm maker marked with the logo of G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 37.52 mm (w) x 61.12 mm (h), weighing 25.5 grams, demonstrating some flecking to the enamels with faint hairline cracks to the corners of some arms, with a small chip and some bending of the metal to the lower corner of the reverse three o’clock arm, in near extremely fine condition.