Saxony, Kingdom. An Albert Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Period Case, c. 1915 by Alfred Roesner

(Albrechtsorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwerter und Etui). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a white enameled medallion bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”) with arabesques, the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised and enameled Saxon coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an institution date of “1850” with laurel branches and arabesques, the six o’clock arm maker marked with the logo of Alfred Roesner, Dresden (appointed Saxon court jeweller in 1912, and assigned as official orders decoration supplier to the Saxon Chancellery in 1915), measuring 35.68 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), weighing 19.4 grams, accompanied by a class-mismatched period case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux brown leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a pair of gilt swords situated above an inscription of “A. R. 1.” (Albrechtsorden Ritterkreuz I. Klasse/Albert Order Knight’s Cross I Class), the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a fitted green felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, the base retaining a decoration maker’s label for the noted firm of G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, with a ribbon maker’s label for the firm of C.E. Kunath, Dresden (likely indicating a purchase by Roesner of a Scharffenberg accessory), measuring 55 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), demonstrating some loosening of the obverse profile and minor flecking to the enamels, a superb set produced c. 1915 and reflecting wartime collaboration between Saxon court jewellers, in near extremely fine condition.