Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star

SKU: 01.BAV.0102.202.01

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  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Obverse
  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Reverse
  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Obverse Detail
  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Reverse Detail
  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Catch
  • Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, Grand Cross Breast Star (by Godet) Hinge

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    September 29, 1693
  • makers
  • remarks
    There is a great deal of variation within the types of the Order. Small variations in design exist because of different manufacturers. The following variables may be encountered: size; composition; manufacturer; medallion; inscription punctuation; surmounting crown or wreath; enameled wreath; suspension.

History


Elector Joseph Clemens, Archbishop of Cologne and Duke of Bavaria, built a chapel in the Hofmark Berg am Laim near Munich in honour of the Archangel Michael and founded a brotherhood, which was open to everyone. In 1732, the brotherhood had 100,000 members in 53 different locations.
The Knightly Order of St. Michael was instituted on September 29, 1693 by Clemens and could only be conferred upon the Catholic nobility. The order was created to represent the defence and protection of divine honour and the promotion of all that contributes to the glory of God.
Originally, the order consisted of a Grand Master, Grand Cross, and Knight. It was customary to wear a breast star with the cross of the order.

In 1808, King Max Joseph approved the continuation of the order in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and the Commander Cross was added to the order. The Grand Master was selected from the princes of Bavaria. In 1813, the order received the official name of Knightly House Order of St. Michael. From 1693 to 1837, 289 Grand Crosses and 119 Knights Crosses were awarded. The Knightly Order of St. Michael consisted of a Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Cross Breast Star, Knight’s Cross, and Honour Knight’s Cross.

On January 18, 1837, King Ludwig I changed the order name to the Order of Merit of St. Michael. The appearance of the order was also changed and it was determined that the old version of the order should no longer be awarded. Knights who had been previously awarded the old version of the order were permitted to still wear them.
The order could be awarded to all individuals regardless of faith or class. The award was conferred in recognition of loyalty, patriotism, and meritorious service in various fields.

On June 24, 1855, Maximilian II extended the order to include the grade of Grand Commander and divided the Knight’s Cross into I and II Class.The order underwent a further reorganisation in 1887, and by 1910 it consisted of a Grand Cross and corresponding Breast Star, Commander Cross, I Class Cross and I Class Breast Star, II Class Cross and II Class Breast Star, I Class Knight's Cross, II Class Knight’s Cross, III Class Cross, IV Class Cross, Honour Cross, Merit Cross, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal.

The inscription, “PIETAS FIDELITAS FORTITUDO PERSEVERANTIA”, translates to "Piety, Fidelity, Fortitude, Perseverance”.

The Order was awarded until the abolition of the monarchy on November 7, 1918.

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Versions

  • Price

    $7,600 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

    86x85mm

  • Maker

    Godet, Berlin

  • Version Remarks

    This version features flat rays and a large centre medallion. It was manufactured in the second half of the 19th century.

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  • Price

    $8,800 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

    93mm

  • Maker

    Eduard Quellhorst, Munich

  • Version Remarks

    This version was manufactured circa 1890.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $11,000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Silver/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

    86mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version differs from others as it has lightning bolts and arrows protruding from the centre medallion between the cross arms.

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  • Price

    $8,500 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Enamelled/Gold/Brilliants

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

  • Maker

    Jacob Reader, Munich

  • Version Remarks

    This version contains brilliants and was produced by Jacob Reader, Munich in the late 19th century.

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  • Price

    $7,000 USD

  • Composition

    Embroidered

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    There are two embroidered versions of the Grand Cross Breast Star. This version is smaller in size and the borders of the cross are of se...

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  • Price

    $7,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver Wire/Silver Paillettes/Silver gilt Wire/Silver gilt Paillettes/Silk Thread

  • Inscription

    Obv: QUIS UT DEUS /PPFF

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    There are two embroidered versions of the Grand Cross Breast Star. This version is larger in size and the borders of the cross is pearled...

  • View Item

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