Order’s miniature jewel in GOLD, enamels, painting and brilliants; suspension ring made of gold wire of square section. An exceptional and very rare piece of the best quality and exact details of the end of the 18th Century, most possibly a work of a jeweller working on behalf of the Danish court.This one-class order, worn as a collar on ceremonial occasions, or wearing the badge suspended to a pale blue sash and a breast star, is Denmark’s highest chivalric distinction; its history dates back to 1464, thus being one of the most ancient and prestigious orders of Europe. In its evolution it was and still is awarded to foreign sovereigns and heads of states only, and to Danes with exceptional merits to the throne. At the death of a Knight, wherever he lived, the decoration of the Elephant is being recovered by emissaries of the Order’s Chapter.Provenance: Maréchal Louis Nicolas Davout, Division General, Duc d’Auerstadt, Princed’Eckmühl, 1770-1823. The only unbeated Marechal d’Empire, named Governor of the Duchy of Varsovia, the first who entered Berlin after defeating the Prussian Army.Dim.: 26x20 mm. (incl. suspension ring).I RR!