House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion, Grand Cross (with diamonds and coloured gemstones, in silver gilt)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.BRU.0101.102.01.003

Estimated market value:

$20,000 USD

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Estimated market value:

$20,000 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Gold/Diamonds/Gemstones/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: SEMPER DIEM
  • Size
    42.5x68mm
  • Version Remarks
    This version is significantly smaller and lighter than the version in gold and the version in silver. It is constructed of silver gilt, gold and enamels, and contains diamonds and gemstones.

Physical Description and Item Details


A decoration constructed of silver gilt, gold, enamels, gemstones, and diamonds. The obverse centre bears a Brunswick stead set in diamonds in front of a column. The top bears a crown in gold and topaz over peacock feathers set in diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and aquamarine, and the bottom bears another crown set in diamonds with a black enamel border inscribed with "SEMPER IDEM". The reverse is plain and bears a loop for suspension . Measuring 42.5mm x 68mm and weighing 37.45 grams.

History


The House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion was established by Duke Ludwig Rudolf in 1731, following his accession to power. The statutes of the order were dated July 27, 1731.

The order had only 24 living members, which consisted of 12 Gentlemen and 12 Ladies. It was recommended to engage in charitable acts towards widows and orphaned children, and swearing and defamation was prohibited. Upon the death of the recipient, the award had to be returned.

Duke Ludwig Rudolf died on March 1, 1735 and the order was transferred to the East Frisian Princely House of Circksena. Prince Carl Eduard became the grand master of the order and continued to award it. A handwritten list from the Duke from 1737 shows that 20 people bore the order, 9 of which were women.
On May 26, 1744, Prince Carl Eduard died and the order was lost. It would not be until 1834 when the order would be reinstated as the Dukely Order Of Henry The Lion.

The motto of the House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion was "SEMPER IDEM," which translates to "Always the Same".

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