Braunschweig, Duchy. A Rare House Antecedent Order Of Henry The Lion, Grand Cross Breast Star, Published Example

(Vorläuferorden des Ordens Heinrich des Löwen, Bruststern zur Ordensdekoration). Instituted 1731 by Duke Ludwig Rudolf. (c. 1840 issue). A rare and striking example of the Grand Cross Breast Star of the House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion, constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed pebbled star, bearing a central rosette-style applique with a blue, red, and white enameled finish, overlaid by a central Gold monogram topped by a royal crown, flanked by a Gold inscription of “SEMPER IDEM” (“ALWAYS THE SAME”), in turn overlaying four plumes of multi-coloured enameled peacock features which emanate from each corner, topped by a silver Braunschweig horse rampant, in turned featuring a crown and enameled peacock feathers, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering flat pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture c. 1840, measuring 80.28 mm (w) x 98.37 mm (h), weighing 67.6 grams, a superb example of an early decoration which saw only limited issue in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion was established by Duke Rudolf in 1731, with statutes officially declared on 27 July. It had only 24 known members, split evenly between male and female recipients. The distinction recognized charitable initiatives performed on behalf of widows and orphans, and also stipulated that a recipient must be of unimpeachable moral character, including refraining from profanity and insults. Upon Duke Ludwig’s death on 1 March 1735, the Order transferred to the East Frisian noble House of Cirksena, with prince Carl Edzrd becoming Grand Master and continuing to award it, with 20 people recorded as bearers in 1737. It fell into disuse on Carl Edzard’s own death on 26 may 1744, and was not revived until 1834 in the form offered. This particular example was featured as an exemplar of the revived Order on page 172 (#488) of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-2000”, Volume 1 (GO Druck media, Kircheim unter Teck, 2008).