Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Princely House Order, I Class Cross in Gold with Case, c.1890

(Fürstlich Lippischer Hausorden Ehrenkreuz I. Klasse/Großkreuz). Instituted 25 October 1869 by Prince Leopold III and Prince Adolf I. Georg. (1890-1918 issue). A striking example of a Lippe-Detmold Princely House Order, I Class Grand Cross, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing with ball finials, the obverse bearing a central eight-pointed radiant star, with a central white enameled medallion bearing a red enameled Lippe rose, within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), the reverse bearing an eight-pointed radiant star, with a central red enameled medallion bearing a Gold monogram of Peter Frederick Louis, the twelve o’clock arm featuring two ribbed ribbons extending to a crown suspension retaining a period original full length of beck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 64.49 mm (w) x 95.14 mm (h), weighing 50.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt embossed Lippe rose, topped by a royal crown and above an inscription of “I. CL.” (“I CLASS”), the interior with a padded purple rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a removable depressed royal blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 90 mm (w) x 126 mm (l) x 35 mm (h), with no evident damage or wear visible, a superb example in extremely fine condition.