Schaumburg-Lippe, Principality. A Rare House Order, I Class Breast Star with Swords

(Fürstliche Schaumburg-Lippe Hausorden - Bruststern zum Kreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 18 September 1890 by Prince Adolph Georg. (1890-1918 issue). A rare and striking Princely House Order of Schaumburg-Lippe, I Class Breast Star with Swords, constructed of silvered with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst with pebbled rays, overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a red enameled shield, in turn bearing a raised Nesselblatt (nettle leaf) defaced by a red enameled Lippe rose, surrounded by a circular border and blue enameled ring bearings gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), contained within a knotted border, topped by gilded crossed swords, the reverse with two visible rivets and nuts to firmly hold the obverse applique in position, with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked, measuring 98.60 mm (w) x 98.98 mm (h), weighing 108.9 grams, a scarce and superb example demonstrating exceptional quality of construction, in extremely fine condition.