Lippe, Principality. A Leopold Order Cross

(Leopold-Orden, Kreuz ohne Krone). Instituted 24 June 1906 by Prince Leopold IV. (1906-1910 issue). Constructed of silver, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, with each arm completing in ball finials, joined through each quadrant by a free-standing monogram of Prince Leopold IV, the obverse bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by a red enameled Lippe rose with details highlighted in gilt, set within a circular ring with a scalloped border, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of Prince Leopold VI, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST” (“FOR MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a stylized fan with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring retaining a period original tri-fold ribbon, unmarked, measuring 48.44 mm (w) x 54.56 mm (h), weighing 30.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.