Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare Order of the Red Eagle, I Class Breast Star by Godet, c. 1880

(Roter Adler Orden Bruststern I. Klasse). Instituted 12 June 1792 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1854-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a vaulted right-pointed radiant starburst, overloaded by a central white enameled medallion bearing an exceptionally detailed Prussian imperial eagle executed in Gold with enamels, surrounded by a white enameled ring bearing a raised Gold inscription of “SINCERE ET CONSTANTER” (“SINCERE AND CONSTANT”), joined together at the bottom by a Gold and enameled laurel wreath, in turn surrounded by dual silvered rings, the reverse with two domed rivets securing the obverse applique in position, with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, flanked on each side by stabilizing hooks, bearing a maker’s mark of “GODET IN BERLIN”, measuring 77.40 mm (w) x 78.06 mm (h), weighing 54.0 grams, a stunning example demonstrating all of the hallmark of Godet’s noted quality, in addition to recipient-commissioned upgrades in the form of Gold appliques, demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture in the early German Empire (c. 1880), in extremely fine condition.