Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order Of Theresa In Gold With Diamonds, C. 1890

(Theresienorden Kreuz mit Brillanten). Instituted 12 December 1827 by Theresa of Saxe-Hildburghausen. (1827-1918 Issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue and white enamelled arms, with blue and white checkered enamelled rhomboids joining the quadrants of each arm, obverse with a central white enamelled medallion bearing a raised royal “T” monogram inlaid with 15 old rose cut diamonds, surrounded by a green enamelled wreath, reverse with an analogous medallion bearing the institution date of “1827” in Gold numbers, circumscribed by a Gold inscription of “UNSER ERDEN LEBEN SEY, GLAUBE AN DAS EWIGE” (“OUR EARTHLY LIFE IS FAITH IN THE ETERNITY”), the twelve o’clock arm with a suspension loop connecting to a hollow, single sided Gold suspension crown affixed to its period original bowtie-style ribbon, measuring 41.10 mm (w) x 64mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension), weighing 25.0 grams (inclusive of ribbon), minor enamel contact, small chip to white enamel on obverse 6 o’clock arm and wear, in near extremely fine condition and rare.

Footnote: The Order was established on December 12, 1827 by Queen Therese of Bavaria as an order for noble ladies in the kingdom. The Queen established a fund, which annually paid a pension of 100 to 300 guilders to twelve unmarried noble ladies. The pension ceased upon a recipients marriage, however, if the marriage was in line with the rank of the lady, then she was permitted to continue wearing the Order’s insignia and be known as a Lady of Honour (Ehrendame).