Bavaria, Kingdom. An Exceptionally Rare Military Order of St. George, Grand Cross Breast Star, Published Example c. 1795

(Orden vom heiligen Georg Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 20 March 1729 by Prince Elector Karl Albrecht (1729-1918 issue; c. 1795 example). Constructed of hand-hammered silver, the obverse consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled and blue lacquered arms joined through the quadrants by blue and white (substituted with silver base metal) rhombuses, overlaid by a central ribbed medallion bearing a red lacquered St. George’s Cross, the reverse with a barrel hinge and flattering vertical pinback meeting a round catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture c. 1795, measuring 88.84 mm (w) x 88.80 mm (h), weighing 38.6 grams, demonstrating a small chip to the lacquer of the central cross, an exceptionally rare decoration with recipients of this grade generally limited to approximately a dozen individuals at any given time, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This example was featured as a specimen in “Orden 1700-2000: Band 1” by Karsten Klingbeil, 2008, pages 90-91.