Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, II Class Cross with Swords, by Johann Wagner & Sohn c. 1916

(Königlicher Kronen-Orden Kreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 18 October 1861 by King Wilhelm. (1869-1916 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms trimmed with gilt borders and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a central gilt medallion bearing a royal crown, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with arabesques, the reverse overlaid by a central gilt medallion bearing a monogram of King Wilhelm I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “DEN 18 OCTOBER 1861”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring retaining both an original shortened length of neck ribbon and a miniature ribbon perforated with a buttonhole for customized wear, the six o’clock arm maker marked with the logo of Johann Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, alongside a silver content mark of “938”, measuring 52.15 mm (w) x 56.52 mm (h), weighing 26.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a superb example of one of the final official examples of this award, bestowed c. 1916, in extremely fine condition.