Baden, Grand Duchy. An Order of the Zähringer Lion, I Class Knight’s Cross in Gold, C.1870

(Orden vom Zähringer Löwen, Ritterkreuz I. Klasse in Gold). Instituted 26 December 1812 by Grand Duke Karl Friedrich. (1802-1918 issue). Constructed of 14K Gold  (unmarked as its common for this period, but tested as 14Kt. Gold) with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a narrow Cross Pattée with its arms joined through the quadrants by ornate arabesque latticework, the obverse with green vitreous glass arms, bearing a central white enameled medallion with a detailed and hand-painted depiction of Zähringen Castle, set within a ribbed Gold ring, the reverse bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a Gold lion rampant, similarly situated within a ribbed Gold ring, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet with a suspension ring retaining a period ribbon, unmarked, circa 1870 period manufacture, measuring 38.87 mm (w) x 42.94 mm (h), weighing 15.6 grams, a striking example of the finest jeweller quality in extremely fine condition.