Saxony, Kingdom. A Rare and Exceptional Order of Merit, Grand Cross with Swords Set by G.A. Scharffenberg, from the Karsten Klingbeil Collection

(Verdienstorden Großkreuz und Bruststern mit Schwertern). Instituted 7 June 1815 by King Friedrich August. (1914-1917 issue). A rare and superb set of the Saxon Order of Merit, Grand Cross with Swords set, including:

1. A cross, constructed of gilded silvered with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms presented within a gilt frame, each joined through the quadrants by double-sided crowns executed in gilt and green enamels with hand-chased details, the obverse overlaid by a white enameled medallion bearing a central gilt and enameled Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a gilt inscription of “FRIED. AUG. K. V. SACHSEN. D. 7. JUN. 1815” (“FRIEDRICH AUGUST KING OF SAXONY ON 7 JUNE 1815”), with a pair of gilt crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UND TREUE” (“FOR SERVICE AND LOYALTY”), surrounded by a hand-painted green laurel and oak leaf wreath with details highlighted in gilt, the twelve o’clock arm topped by dual gilt ribbons which culminate in an elaborate hollow crown topped by an eyelet and ribbed suspension ring, the latter fastening to a functional gilded metal spring clip emanating from a period original full-length sash ribbon, the six o’clock arm bearing a maker’s mark of “SCHARFFENBERG, DRESDEN”, flanking the firm’s classic monogram-style “S” logo, indicating manufacture by Saxony’s most prolific court jeweller, measuring 60.50 mm (w) x 90.91 mm (h), weighing 57.0 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and surface scratching to the enamels and loss of gilt finish to high-contact points throughout the base metal, a striking wartime example in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UND TREUE” (“FOR SERVICE AND LOYALTY”), surrounded by a hand-painted green laurel and oak leaf wreath with details highlighted in gilt, situated within a pebbled and gilded ring, with a pair of gilded crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the revere with a raised barrel hinge and tapering pinback meeting a rounded catch, with a raised circular centrepiece bearing a maker’s mark of “G.A. SCHARFFENBERG, GOLDARBEITER F. D. K. S. ORDENSCANZ:, Dresden, with an additional Scharffenberg monogram logo visible on the pinback, measuring 92.25 mm (w) x 92.02 mm (h), weighing 76.8 grams, demonstrating some flecking to the enamels of the medallion, with small chips at the three and nine o’clock positions demonstrating period repairs, a rare maker-matched accompaniment complementing this highest-grade set and similarly reflecting Scharffenberg’s quality, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote 1: The Saxon Grand Cross of the Order of Merit with Swords was awarded to five individuals, including General Maximilian von Laffert and General Oskar von Ehrenthal, with an additional “Swords on Ring” variant awarded to General Hermann von Schweinitz.

Footnote 2: This example formerly resided in the assemblage of noted collector and reference guide author Karsten Klingbeil.