Complete Set of the 2nd Class, 1st Grade. Sash Badge, 60 x 47 mm., Silver as a stylized five-petals flower flanked by sky-blue enameled, stylized flowers, the centre as a carved red coral within two raised, golden dragons, facing a further, smaller red coral, round suspension loop, smooth reverse, long suspension ring, the outer side with blue enameled, ornamental pattern. Breast Star, 80 mm., Silver with smooth, polished rays, round centre with a carved red coral within gilt geometrical pattern, gilt outer circlet bearing raised, Chinese inscription in archaic script within thin, blue enameled border and around, two dragons facing each other with a small, red coral set on a pale-blue enameled beaming star, the whole enclosed within a sky-blue enameled ornamental pattern, the reverse, fitted with vertical pin. The set, in its originally fitted, red leatherette German-made case (surely made on behalf of the wearer of this group), the lid embossed with “I.Kl. 3.St.” as a curious, understandable misinterpretation of the award’s type as often happened with this most complicately organized order.
A beautiful, extremely rare set of this order as awarded to a prominent German personality (probably an Admiral or a Minister), excellent condition. I R!