Saxony, Kingdom. An Albrecht Order, Commander’s Cross With Brilliance, By G.A. Scharffenberg

(Albrecht-Orden, Kommandeurkreuz mit Brillanten). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich Augustus II. (1876-1918 issue). An exquisiteAlbrecht Order Commander’s Cross with Diamonds, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms, obverse with a central raised gilt profile of Duke Albert III of Saxony, surrounded by 22 finely-cut simulated diamonds, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE MERCIFUL”), the reverse with a central white enameled disc bearing a raised gilt Saxon coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt institution date of “1850” with arabesques, the quadrants of the cross joined by detailed green enameled oak leaf branches, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a hollow gilt crown suspension, inset with simulated rubies, and with an integral loop connecting to a reinforced suspension ring, the latter with a period original length of shortened neck ribbon, the six o’clock arm bearing a maker’s mark of “S” for G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 53.62 mm (w) x 88.40 mm (h), weighing 54.0 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident, in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This example was previously offered for sale by the noted auction house of Andreas Theis (Auction No. 26, 23. 4. 2005, Lot 213). A rare example, it demonstrates the finest quality of jeweller manufacture during the First World War.