France, Napoleonic Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown Of Westphalia, Knight, C.1808

(Orden der Westfälischen Krone). Instituted 25th of December, 1809 by King Hieronymus I of Westphalen. In silver consisting of a crown with blue enamel base with silver script with shortened “CHARAC. UND. AUFRIC." (for: CHARACTER UND AUFRICHTIGKEIT, translation: Character and honesty) and shortened “ERIC. DEN. XVI Dec. MDCCCI” (for: ERRICHTET DEN XXV DEZEMBER MDCCCIX), with a crown suspension and a three dimensional coat of arms, rearing horse and lion flanking crowned eagle, lion centre, with ornate crowned eagle swivel, with “JE LES UNIS” (translation: united) underneath the eagle on the obverse, measuring at 31.1mm (w) x 56.7mm (h) and weighing at 16.2 grams, marked with an unknown makers mark on the suspension ring, replacement ribbon, minor enamel damage, an exquisite order and rare, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Westphalia was founded on December 25, 1809 by Napoleon's brother Jerome Bonaparte, also known as King Hieronymus I of Westphalia. The order was established in three grades and could be awarded to civilians and military personnel. It was conferred upon individuals who rendered exceptional service to the crown and state. Awardable acts included performing acts of heroism or humanity and making useful discoveries. Membership in the order was limited to 10 Grand Crosses, 30 Commander Crosses, 300 I Class Knight Crosses, and 500 II Class Knight Crosses. The king was the Grand Masters of the order and he wore the Collar with a diamond-studded decoration suspended from it. The first decorations were produced by the jeweller Biennais. The decorations were later created by other jewellers, including Gibert and Oliveras of Paris. The motto of the Order is "Charakter und Aufrichtigkeit" which translates to "Character and Honesty". The order was discontinued in 1813 following the collapse of the Westphalian government.