Braunschweig, Duchy. A Rare Order Of Henry The Lion, I Class Breast Star With Swords, Published Example By F. Siebrecht

(Orden Heinrich des Löwen Bruststern zur I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 25 April 1834 by Duke Wilhelm. (1908-1918 issue). Constructed of silver and Gold with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted white Hanoverian horse superimposed over a column, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel bearing a Gold inscription of “IMMOTA FIDES” (“UNSHAKABLE LOYALTY”), decorated with a raised crown and peacock feathers at the six and twelve o’clock positions, respectively, in turn surrounded by dual Gold rings, with a pair of Gold crossed swords piercing the centrepiece and extending across the diameter of the star, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked “F. SIEBRECHT, BRAUNSCHWEIG”, measuring 80.80 mm (w) x 83.09 mm (h), weighing 69.4 grams, a striking example in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This particular example was featured as an exemplar of the award on page 185 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-2000”, Volume 1 (GO Druck Media, Kircheim unter Teck, 2008).