Sweden, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Seraphim, Grand Cross Breast Star, By Kretly, C.1880

(Kungliga Serafimerorden). Instituted by King Frederick I in 1748. Of the finest French manufacture, a rare Order of Seraphim composed of silver Maltese cross with ball finials, presenting deeply faceted rays with overlaid patriarchal crosses in the middle of each ray, between each arms sits a winged cherub, the obverse medallion in Gold presents a white enamelled Latin cross with inscription IHS below (Iesus Hominum Salvator), with three enamelled Swedish crowns at 2, 6 and 11 o’clock, and three white nails below the 6 o’clock crown representing the nails with which Jesus was crucified, surrounded by a ring of Gold facets, reverse presents single vertical pin with dual stays, the maker cartouche reading No. 46 KRETLY PALAIS-ROYAL PARIS, catch marked with a boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee post 1838, measures 84.80mm (w) x 85.20mm (h), weighs 88.9 grams, lovely silver tone, very minor enamel chips, in near mint condition.

Footnote: This Order was founded by King Frederick I in 1748. It is the highest decoration awarded in Sweden. It is conferred exclusively upon members of the Swedish Royal Family, as well as foreign heads of state. The obverse inscription is a christogram.