Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. An Order Of Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Collar, C.1900

(Haus und Verdiesnt Orden des Herzogs Peter Friedrich Ludwig). Instituted 1838 by Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August. Civil Division. A very well made and high quality collar, in silver gilt, consisting of 28 total links, featuring eight 26mm enamelled discs with a central superimposed crowned F on a blue enamelled field, surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed EIN GOTT EIN RECHT EINE WAHRHEIT (A God A Right A Truth) with a green enamelled oak leaf wreath around the exterior, six 26mm enamelled discs presenting a handpainted Grand Duchy of Oldenburg coat of arms in multicoloured enamels with a green enamelled oak leaf wreath around the exterior, each of the fourteen disks with large ornate integral links top and bottom, all twelve disks alternating with twelve 29mm (w) x 49mm (h) silver gilt crowned cyphers of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, the center link features the crowned cypher PFL (Peter Friedrich Ludwig), measures 52.5mm (w) x 63.8mm (h), a suspension below featuring two connecting links on each side meeting in a cluster of six oak leaves and three acorns the link opposing the center features two side by side cyphers surmounted by a large crown, reverse of the links are all plain, reverse of the oakleaf and acorn suspension presents a hook for badge wearing, measuring approximately 1080mm in length, light enamel wear, scattered gilt wear, fine manufacture, better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was instituted by Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August of Oldenburg in commemoration of his father, Duke Peter Friedrich Louis. It was conferred in recognition of both civil and military merit. The Order became obsolete in 1918 when the last Grand Duke of Oldenburg renounced the throne.