Order of the Golden Lion

An early Prince size Commander`s 1st Class, 46 mm, Breast Star of the order in Silver: alterned smooth and diamond-cut rays, gold centre medallion with the Order`s lion in gold and blue enamel, within thick, grooved gold outer circlet, reverse vertical pin. A very elegant, rare star, dating to the second half of the 19th Century, excellent condition. The House Order of the Golden Lion was instituted by Landgraf Friedrich II of Hesse Kassel and was dedicated to Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, an ancestor of the founder. The Order was conferred upon individuals who demonstrated exceptional civil or military merit. I RR!