Bavaria, Kingdom. A Rare Order of St. Hubert, Official’s Cross in Gold, Museum Exhibition Example

(Haus-Ritter-Orden vom heiligen Hubertus, Abzeichen der Ordensbeamten). Instituted 3 November 1444 by Duke Gerhard IV of Jülich and Berg. Constructed of 18K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with arms completing in ball finials and with stylized flames emanating from each quadrant, the obverse bearing a central green enameled medallion overlaid by a raised depiction of St. Hubert gazing upon a stag with a cross between its antlers, the arms finish in white, yellow, and black enamels with multi-coloured lions rampant, symbolizing Berg, Jülich, Veldenz, and Pfalz clockwise from the twelve o’clock arm, the reverse bearing a central red enameled shield overlaid by a raised orb topped by a Latin Cross, situated within a white enameled border bearing an inscription of “IN MEMORIAM RECUPERATE DIGNITATIS AVITAE” (“RECOVER IN DIGNITY THE MEMORY OF AN ANCESTOR”), the arms bearing enameled crests of Mark, Ravensberg, Mörs, and Kleve clockwise from the twelve o’clock arm, topped by a detailed crown suspension which culminates in an integral loop and ring, unmarked, measuring 39.60 mm (w) x 54.45 mm (h), weighing 32.7 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a stunning museum exhibition example of a rare distinction in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: An exceptionally scarce award, an original example is featured on page 79 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden 1700-200”, Volume 1, 2008.