Braunschweig, Duchy. A Decoration for Art and Science, II Class with Crown, Published Example from the Karsten Klingbeil Collection

(Verdienstzeichen für Kunst und Wissenschaft - II. Klasse mit Krone). Instituted 25 April 1908 by Duke Johann Albrecht of Mecklenburg (in his capacity as Regent). (1912-1918 issue). Constructed of cast silver, consisting of a double-sided oval laurel leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a rightward-facing bust of Duke Karl I of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, circumscribed by name and title in Latin, the reverse overlaid by a ribbed and crowned oval medallion bearing a Saxon Steed, circumscribed by an inscription of “DEM VERDIENST IN KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT” (“FOR MERIT IN ART AND SCIENCE”), topped by an elaborate crown suspension culminating in an eyelet and ring with a length of period ribbon, unmarked, measuring 37.44 mm (w) x 68.42 mm (h), weighing 25.9 grams, a scarce variant issued from 1912 until the end of the First World War, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This decoration was used as an example of the award in “Orden 1700-2000: Volume 1”, by Karsten Klingbeil, Bastei Verlag, 2008, page 190.