Hannover, Kingdom. A Royal Guelphic Order, Rare Type Of The Grand Cross Star With Swords, C.1835

Instituted April 28 1815 by Prince Regent George. Military Division. A very fine quality early Grand Cross Star, of German manufacture, presenting an eight point star with clusters of seven smooth rays, solid Gold crossed swords pierce the medallion; the medallion features an enameled white horse on a red enamelled field on a green painted foreground, surrounded by the Gold inscription NEC ASPERA TERRENT (Difficulties do not terrify), ringed by a green enamelled wreath, reverse presents a single pin suspension, rivets present for the reverse of the swords. An unusual and rare feature of this star is the reverse medallion, as it opens with a 9 o’clock ball handle and 3 o’clock hinge to present a small pocket (presumably for a lock of hair). The pin is marked "PG" (unknown maker, possibly connected to the Godet family). The star measures 69.8mm (w) x 69.8mm (h), weighs 52.0 grams, dark patina on silver around swords, enamel wear to red on medallion, light wear, enamel loss and small holes in wreath around 6 o’clock, catch and hinge functional, in extremely fine condition and of very unusual, early manufacture. 

Footnote: The Royal Guelphic Order was instituted by King George IV, at the time the Prince Regent of Great Britain, on August 12, 1815. This was not only his father George III’s birthday but was also the 101st anniversary of the first Hanoverian monarch, George I, ascending the English throne. The order was named after the House of Guelph, of which the Hanoverians were a branch. The Royal Guelphic Order was awarded to those who displayed acts of bravery, prudent behavior in front of the enemy, and military merit.

The order stopped being issued by the British Crown following the death of King William IV in 1837, at which time the union between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Hanover ended. The order continues to be awarded today, and the head of the Hanoverian House, Prince Ernst August is the current chancellor.