Westphalia, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown Of Westphalia, Grand Commander In Gold, C.1810

(Orden der Westfälischen Krone). Instituted December 25, 1809 by Jerome Bonaparte (King Hieronymus I of Westphalia). Type I. An extremely rare and exquisite badge composed of delicately hand-etched 18Kt (tested) Gold. The badge presents a circular shape created by a pristinely scaled snake whose head is consuming it’s tail at 6 o’clock (a symbol of immortality), stemming from the snakes head towards the left is an oak leaf branch and towards the right laurel branch, each presenting two round discs with five filigree points creating a flower, in the center of the badge, presents an imperial crown, shared by a demi-eagle holding a sceptre and a rearing lion standing back to back, atop the horizontal flowers of oak and laurel branches, at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock stand a horse (Westphalia) on the right and a crowned lion with a light horizontal pattern of etching across its body (Kassel) on the left, each connected by a rearing front foot with the central crown monde, a blue enamel scroll gracefully extends from the connecting integral ball, wrapping around the snake and softly connecting with the lion and horse, the scroll is inscribed CHARAKTER UND AUFRICHTIGKEIT (Character and Honesty), the badge is surmounted but a left facing eagle with layers of carefully chiselled feathers, the base presents a small inscription across the eagle and the integral ball reading JE LES UNIS (I Unite Them), the eagle is surmounted by a large imperial crown presenting large arches connecting to a monde with a small cross on top, the reverse presents a small azure shield with the letters HN intertwined on the back of the demi-eagle and demi-lion, the scroll with blue enamel is inscribed ERRICHTET DEN XXV DEC MDCCCIX (Established December 25 1809), measures 61.45mm (w) x 113.55mm (h – inclusive of surmounting eagle and cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 55.1 grams, suspension ring is marked with a partial crown, very minor wear to blue enamelling in scroll, overall in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Westphalia was founded on December 25, 1809, by Napoleon's brother Jerome Bonaparte, also known as King Hieronymus I of Westphalia. The Order was established in three grades and could be awarded to civilians and military personnel. It was conferred upon individuals who rendered exceptional service to the crown and state. Awardable acts included performing acts of heroism or humanity and making useful discoveries. Only ten ‘grand commanders’ were created. The Order was discontinued in 1813 following the collapse of the Westphalian Government.