Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Rare Lippe Rose Medal Of Honour For Art And Science, I Class With Crown, By C.f. Zimmermann, C.1905

(Lippische Rose I. Klasse Ehrenzeichen für Kunst und Wissenschaft). Instituted 9 June 1898 by Count Regent Ernst of Lippe-Biesterfeld. (1899-1910 issue). An exceptionally rare Lippe Rose Medal of Honour for Art and Science, I Class, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, consisting of a double-sided, five-petaled Lippe rose integrated with a five-pointed gilt star, the obverse bearing a central gilt depiction of a female figure kissing a male figure who is clutching a book and with an owl perched on his shoulder (representing the kiss of the Muse and the owl of Athena, respectively), within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FUER KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT” (“FOR ART AND SCIENCE”), the reverse bearing a central gilt medallion featuring a crowned monogram of Count Regent Ernst, above an institution date of “GESTIFTET DEN 9. JUNI 1898”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown suspension featuring an integral loop marked “K”, otherwise unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 41.79 mm (w) x 71.84 mm (h), weighing 20.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A rare distinction, this class of the Lippe Rose Medal of Honour for Art and Science was only awarded to 34 individuals.