Germany, States. A Superb & Extensive Miniature Order & Decoration Chain In Gold, C.1870-90

Of high quality manufacture, a superb and extremely rare miniature decoration chain, consisting of multiple locks finely connected by small rings, with delicate and functional spring rings at the ends, measuring 170 mm in length, with a total weight of 28.8 grams (inclusive of the awards), presenting unidentifiable maker’s mark in one spring ring, scarce set in near mint condition. The chain features eight miniature Orders from different German States, in their civil division versions; from left to right, the chain is composed of:

1. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, Type II, Civil Division, miniature I Class Knight, in Gold and enamels, measuring 15.95 mm (w) x 27.19 mm (h), with intact and superb enamels, extremely fine.

2. A Hesse-Darmstadt Order of Philip the Magnanimous, Type II, Civil Division, miniature I Class Knight, in Gold and enamel, measuring 15.80 mm (w) x 15.87 mm (h), light contact.
 
3. An excellent miniature Bavarian Order of Merit of St. Michael, Civil Division, I Class Knight, in Gold and enamel, measuring 16.76 mm (w) x 29.32 mm (h), with evident chipping enamels, otherwise extremely fine.
   
4. An exquisite Hesse-Darmstadt Order Of Ludwig, miniature I Class Knight, Civil Division, in Gold and enamels, measuring 15.55 mm (w) x 27.31 mm (h), with superb enamels, light contact.
 
5. A miniature Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, with bow suspension denoting women issued, in Gold and enamels, measuring 16.95 mm (w) x 27.10 mm (h), intact enamel, with unusual bow suspension, extremely fine.
     
6. A fine Saxony Order of Albert, Civil Division, Type II, in Gold and enamels, measuring 16.19 mm (w) x 30.95 mm (h), light contact.
 
7. A miniature Order of the Württemberg Crown, Civil Division, in Gold and enamels, measuring 15.70 mm (x) x 26.38 mm (h), minor loss of gilt, very fine.

8. A superb Oldenburg House Order of Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, miniature I Class Knight, in Gold and enamels, measuring 16.66 mm (w) x 25.82 mm (h), light contact.