Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Rare Princely House Order, II Class Cross in Gold, c. 1900

(Fürstlich Lippischer Hausorden Ehrenkreuz II. Klasse in Gold). Instituted 25 October 1869 by Prince Leopold III of Lippe-Detmold and Prince Adolf I Georg of Schaumburg-Lippe. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of 18K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms situated within a Gold frame, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold right-pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central white enameled medallion inset with a richly-enameled red Lippe rose, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), the reverse overlaid by a central Gold right-pointed radiant starburst, bearing a red enameled medallion inset with a Gold monogram of Prince Leopold III, the twelve o'clock arm topped by a fan suspension which culminates in an eyelet and ring retaining a period original length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 60.55 mm (w) x 69.11 mm (h), weighing 41.8 grams, a rare and striking example produced c. 1900 with all of the hallmarks of court jeweller-quality composition, in extremely fine condition.