Braunschweig, Duchy. An Order of Henry the Lion, Grand Cross Breast Star, by Carl Siebrecht c. 1908

(Orden Heinrich des Löwen - Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 25 April 1843 by Duke Wilhelm. (1834-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms terminating in ball finials, bearing an exquisite central medallion consisting of a silver centrepiece defaced by a raised monogram of Duke Wilhelm, situated within a red enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “IMMOTA FIDES” (“UNSHAKEABLE LOYALTY”) with a cluster of laurel leaves, in turn surrounded by an additional silver ring decorated with pebbled scallops,  the reverse with four visible rivets securing the cross and medallion in position, with an elongated barrel hinge and narrow tapering pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked with the logo of court jeweller Carl Siebrecht, Braunschweig, c. 1908, above a silver content mark of “900”, measuring 88.65 mm (w) x 88.16 mm (h), weighing 75.8 grams, a small chip is visible to the enamels of the six o’clock arm of the cross, with a fine crack also visible to the three o’clock arm, with deliberate etching out of an inscription also visible to the reverse medallion adjacent to the maker’s mark, a striking example demonstrating the all of the indicators of jeweller construction, in near extremely fine condition.