A complete bijou of the Spanish Golden Fleece in silver-gilt fom the middle to late period of Alphonso XIII, most likely 1900-1930 in date. Of the Spanish Fleeces that we have seen this is one of the very finest, with high quality workmanship, a creative design and a light blue sapphire in the Pierre a Fois. The Fleece is in the Spanish profile manner and is in full round, but the other elements are uniface as is normal with Spanish Fleece insignia. The briquette is an elaborate Hispano-Moorish style of knotted “B”s with finely engraved edges, and the flames are exceptionally modeled and complex for modern Spanish bijous. The cut ball pivot for the Fleece hints at French workmanship, as does the Art Nouveau briquette design. Contemporary and likely original cravat ribbon.

This is the second of such "standard" 20th century Spanish Fleece bijous we have had. Unlike the first one which showed many marks of long wear, this one seems immaculate and unworn and likely came from old dealer's stock. The elements are a little smaller, and thus more "modern", in this fleece than the previous one, giving it an elegant and decorative appearance. When the number of Spanish members declined after the Civil War and was not revived as a social order after the return of Juan Carlos, such speculative manufactures remained unsold.

Until the last 10 years or so we saw several bijous of the Golden Fleece in major dealers catalogs every year, but this is the first I have seen in a while. More people, more money and no more ancient items being made is seeming to bring scarcity to many antique objects from books to orders.

Immaculate condition.

1,500 Euros ($2355). SOLD

Court Badge of an Officer of the Spanish Inquisition

A very rare 18 k. gold and enamel badge of office of the Royal Spanish Court Officer of the Spanish Inquisition from c. 1700. This is the official whom Dostoyevsky would call the "Grand Inquisitor". At this time the Grand Inquisitor was Balthasar Sarmiento de Mendoza y Sandoval, 5th Marquis of Camarosa, Bishop of Segovia and Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece No. 476, and it is most likely his badge. The badge is cut from a sheet of apx. 18 k. gold on an 18 k. gold mounting ring, nearly worn through from wear. A significant portion of the original enamels on the symbols remains.

The date of the badge is very significant as 1700 was the year of the death of Charles II, the last ruler from the medieval-leaning Habsburg dynasty. On his death the War of the Spanish Succession followed with an Austrian-Habsburg claimant opposing one from the French Bourbon dynasty. The Inquisition itself was in some chaos at this time as well, with the Grand Inquisitor proposing arresting Froilan Diaz, another member of the Suprema (Church Council of the Spanish Holy Office). Balthazar was also a knight of the Golden Fleece (no. 476 from 1669 to his death in 1715).

Finally, the throne was awarded to the Bourbons, with the Habsburgs gaining territories elsewhere and the right to have their own version of the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece. Alas, poor Balthazar backed the wrong candidate, and we hear little from him in his last years. The Bourbons attempted to modernize Spain in the manner of France, but the Spanish were attached to their ancient and inefficient customs and change was slow. The Inquisition was a peculiarly Spanish institution, and they clung to its repressive and backward looking isolationism. Even when Napoleon eliminated it while his brother Joseph was King of Spain, the Spanish Bourbon King Ferdinand brought it back again in 1815 and it endured for a further generation.

A wonderful piece of history, it is 2.2 cm wide, 3 cm tall with an 8 mm mounting ring and weighs apx. 5 grams. Comes with several pages of documentation and history, including a German catalog page showing the piece, bill of sale from a London auction showing it sold for $800 in 1988, a copy from Gottschalk's history of ancient orders of 1818 showing the piece and notes on the career of de Mendoza y Sandoval, Grand Inquisitor of the Holy Order and member of the Order of the Golden Fleece. For more details see Inquisition info

VF with some chips to the enameled and wear to the attachment point.

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian)

These were the kind of daily wearing fleeces that actually saw use. The heavier, and much more valuable solid gold ones were usually reserved for special occassions. As we can see from the well known collections of the Schwartzenbergs and Furstenburgs they possessed many examples in their jewelry collections.

VF+ -- $3,200.00 SOLD

Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian)

A second example. $850.00 SOLD

1813-1814 Canon Cross, Officer’s Gilt Version

We are pleased to have three variations of the scarce officer’s gilt 1813-1814 Canon Cross from a famous collection. All are heavily gilt after removal of the original green lacquer, and show slight wear from usage, although all are in overall VF condition or better. All three bear the official double eagle in a diamond hallmark. After 20 years of searching I now have found proper color and quality replacement ribbons for all these crosses. No. 1, in the upper left, has a thick, grooved issue-type ribbon ring; no. 2, in the upper right, has a thin, grooved issue-type ribbon ring; and no. 3, at the bottom, has a replacement thick, gold flat ribbon ring.

There were almost 300,000 common crosses made by several manufacturers, and so the ribbon rings and hallmarks vary slightly as here, but likely only 2% or so still survive today and this is an increasingly scarce item. Officer's crosses in gilt likely only number a few hundred at most as I have only seen or heard of less than a dozen in 30 years of looking.
Reference:
VF to EF
$425.00 each, with 6 inches of proper ribbon SOLD

Prague Coronation Medal of Ferdinand I and Maria Anna Augusta, 1836

A commerative medal celebrating the coronation of Empress Maria Anna Augusta and Emperor Ferdinand I as queen and king of Bohemia in Prague in September 1836. Blackened bronze, highlights polished brighter. Obverse inscribed: "MARIA . ANNA . AVGVSTA . FERDINANDI . I . IMP . ET . REGIS", reverse: "GERMANY . ET . ALTERA . MIHI . PATRIA / CORON.PRAGAE.MENSE.SEPT.MCCCXXXVI(sic)" with crown on cushion above Bohemian coat of arms.
VF
$125.00 SOLD

The Apolostolic Order of St. Stephen of Hungary

The Apostolic Order of St. Stephen was founded by the Empress Maria Theresa on 5 May, 1764 to reward civil merit by members of the Hungarian nobility with at least four quarterings of nobility. It kept to its original purpose to the end of the Empire and is the rarest of the great Austro-Hungarian orders since it never became a common a reward for service. This particular silver gilt piece has magnificent and lustrous enamel and exceptionally fine guillots engraved below the enamel making it a production of a major jeweler. Undoubtedly a wearer's piece from the end of the Empire.

A Knight's Cross by a major jeweler from 1870-1918.
Reference: Steiner, o3.3c.
NEF -- $1,200.00 SOLD

Another Copy

The Apostolic Order of St. Stephen was founded by the Empress Maria Theresa on 5 May, 1764 to reward civil merit by members of the Hungarian nobility with at least four quarterings of nobility. It kept to its original purpose to the end of the Empire and is the rarest of the great Austro-Hungarian orders since it never became a common reward for service. Even the Golden Fleece, with only 50 members, is seen more frequently in commerce. This silver gilt piece has magnificent and lustrous enamel and exceptionally fine guillots engraved below the enamel making it a production of a major jeweler. An even finer piece than that which we sold previously, and it has an Imperial era hallmark on the back of the mounting clip. New ribbon with an old, bronze ribbon ring. The piece has a fine patina of age on the crown while overall clean and bright.

(For enlarged photos go to St. Stephen Photos)

A Knight's Cross by a major jeweler from 1870-1918.
Reference: Steiner, o3.3c.; Spada (France, Russia, Austria) page 227 no.2
EF -- $1,800.00 SOLD

1813-14 “Canon Cross”

An example of this important medal in very fine condition with little or no wear to the surface or lettering. Lacking the issue green lacquer but showing remnants of an unofficial and very old gilding. Possibly an officer's cross. Proper double eagle in a diamond hallmark on the top of the strap for the ribbon ring. No ribbon or ribbon ring, but these are often missing.
VF
$125.00 SOLD

1813-14 Officer's Gilt and Initialed “Canon Cross”

An officers gilt Canon Cross in good condition with the officers initials "L.M. engraved in contemporary script on the bottom edge. A nice example of the very scarce named officers crosses in a quaint variation. Proper double eagle in a diamond hallmark on the top of the strap for the ribbon ring. No ribbon but a fine, old decorative ribbon ring.
VF
$425.00 SOLD

Silver Medal for the Tyrolian Contingent, 1796

Facing the danger posed by Napoleon's victories in Italy in 1796 the Austrian Emperor took the daring step of authorizing the raising of militias for the defence of the realm. Both the conservative Tyrol and Olmutz responded in 1796. This medal was for all Tyrolian enlisted men who took up arms in the mobilization call of 12 August 1796. Dies by Johann Wirt, then working in Paris. Much scarcer than the 1797 Tyrolian medal when the mobilization was much larger. A fine piece of 205 year-old history from the Napoleonic era.
Reference: Heyden 994, VH&S 1099, Falkenstein pp. 31-2, Steiner e2.2 VF
No ribbon
$250.00 SOLD

Austrian order of the Iron Crown (OEK)

c. 1860-1880, first version of the final type. Hallmarked gold by a major jeweler with early style, original ribbon. The jewel-like luster of the enamels is exceptional. Like new condition except for a slight discoloration on the back of the orb in the eagle's left claw. Considered by many to be the most beautiful of all European orders. Ex Gale Hawkes.
EF
$895.00 SOLD

Austrian Tyrol Service Medal

Awarded to Walter Krüger of L.G.Bl. Nr. 28. Comes with original award document, Nazi Abscrift permission to wear document (only the bottom shown) and two photos (c. 1930) of Krüger and his unit in uniform. A fine WW I-Anschush Austrian historic group.

 

VF -- $75.00 SOLD

Bronze Gilt Signum Laudis & Silver Signum Laudis with Swords With Award Documents.

1. A large and attractive award document to an Under-lieutenant of Garrison Artillery. Issued in the name of Franz Joseph I and mentioning Austria only secondarily.

2. Award document to an Under-lieutenant of Garrison Artillery (same as Gilt award above). Issued in the name of Austria-Hungary with Kaiser Karl graphically and politically secondary. A most interesting change of national vision during the war and a foretaste of separate national identities. It is also worthy of note that despite two years separating the awards, and immense casualties to the Austrian army, he is still only an Unter-lieutenant. Promotion, even in the lower officer ranks, was class driven and not related to service or merit.

Pair of metals in VG+ condition with original ribbons and both award Documents.
$150.00 SOLD

Golden Jubilee Commemoration Medal

In commeration of the fiftieth anniversary of his reign, Emperor Franz Joseph authorized this medal for those who had completed 50 years duty in his service on or before 2 December 1898. A separately coined imperial eagle containing the suspension is joined to the medal. The medal dies were cut by J. Tautenhayn, Jr., and this medal exactly matches the official dies as used by Rothe of Vienna and so is proper. As might be expected this medal is very rare since few people lived to work for 50 years, and even fewer did so for the Emperor. Probably an everyday “wearing” version.
Reference: Heyden 1343, VH&S 1119, MI # 500, Falkenstein pp. 106-7, Steiner e15.1
EF
$300.00 SOLD

Ischl

A magnificent leather portfolio commerating Franz Joseph's 50th year on the throne issued by Bad Ischl, the small spa town where he spent all his summers. It is on Japanese vellum, a bit brittle and with some edge damage, with several etchings and color illuminations. It is signed by every member of the Ischl town council. The leather is multicolored with a large, embossed copper ornament on the cover. A magnificent presentation piece of surprisingly intimate character for such an august and distant monarch.
$1,250.00 SOLD

GREAT BRITAIN

Indian General Service Medal -- 1854-95 with bar "Hunza"

Companion of the Indian Empire -- First Issue

Miniature of the Order of the Indian Empire -- Third Issue

Miniature of the Order of the Star of India

Miniature of the Talavera Cross

Miniature of the Jellalabad Winged Victory

The only miniature we have ever seen of the second medal for the defense of Jellalabad during the First Afghan War. Contemporary and very fine except for repaired suspension (no longer swivels). The British government issued this medal when they decided that the original "Mural Crown" medal was too inelegant and not classical enough for current British taste. Men were asked to hand in their medals in exchange, and only a dozen or so did. Very rare in any form.
VF
$550.00 SOLD

The oldest and finest "sweetheart pin" we have ever seen. Not hallmarked but a fine piece of silversmith's work from 1816-1818 in the typical Georgian style. The 18th Hussars were at Waterloo, mentioned on the pin, and so it is later than 1815, and the 18th was disbanded in 1818 which is the latest possible date. Apx. 1.6" tall in silver and ivory with oil painted front in black, rose and gold showing the regimental crown and garter badge with Peninsula and Waterloo battle honors. The silver pin works well and the piece can be worn. The 18th was stationed in the north of England and so it was likely made by a provincial jeweler there. It is much more closely related to portrait miniatures on ivory of the same period than to the private military medals of the era. This is at least 100 years older than any other sweetheart pin we have seen, and it is a most rare and unique Napoleonic antique. Ex Gale Hawkes.

Comes with a list of the officers of the regiment at this time and some copies of prints and descriptions of the regiment.

VF -- $1,200.00 SOLD

Admiral Vernon’s Medal for the Capture of Portobello in 1739

The pinchbeck metal medallion commenting the capture of Portobello in Panama by Admiral Vernon and Commodore Brown in 1739. It is toned to a rich brown and is in F-VF condition for its age and near as struck with only minor dings. A scarce early military medallion and seldom seen. Similar to Mitchner 5047 and 37 mm in diameter. Historically this is a very interesting piece as it reflects the continuing struggle between Spain and England over American trade. The more general struggle of the War of the Austrian Succession will not break out until the next year. Although sold as a commutative and not an official issue to combatants, this is clearly a precursor to the numerous British campaign medals of the 19th and 20th centuries.

F-VF -- $65.00 SOLD

SERBIA – JUGOSLAVIA

Jugoslavian Hussar Officer's Belt c. 1919-1940

A splendid hussar officer's belt in silver bullion and red, white and blue silk. Red felt backing and gilt and chrome buckle plate. Dates from the inter-war period of the Kingdom of Jugoslavia. Scarce and unusual and in very fine condition, except for some staining to the gilt buckle plate that will clean off. $150.00 SOLD

Coronne de Fer – Napoleon’s Iron Crown of the Kingdom of Italy

An exceptional example of one of the rarest Napoleonic orders from the collection of the noted Napoleonic collector Robert Florey. Napoleon established the Coronne de Fer in 1805 for the Kingdom of Italy as the Italian equivalent to the Legion of Honor. Napoleon only wore, and always wore, the first two orders he created -- the Legion of Honor and the Coronne de Fer. Any serious Napoleonic collector must have both and the Coronne is vastly more rare. There were some 40,000 First Empire Legion of Honor awards and only around 500 Coronne de Fer, and a much smaller percentage of Coronnes have survived. Most of the Italian insignia were destroyed in exchange for Austrian Iron Crowns after the 1816 reorganization of the Order. The Coronne was given so seldom that even Marshall Lannes, Napoleon's closest friend, was only a knight, and not a dignitary, of the order. In the last 20 years there have been many hundreds of First Empire Legion of Honor pieces for sale, but less than a dozen Coronnes.

This example is a large, French-made bijou of true Imperial character. It has a correct French First Empire period punched proof mark. The eagle is a magnificent late Empire type of the 1812-1814 period with richly engraved feathers and high rising wings. The gold medalion Napoleon-head is a right-facing variety (Type II, 1st variety). Type II of 1809-1814 has balls on the tips of the crown to reduce splitting of the enamel, and the motto is only in Italian (the very rare Type I of 1805-1809 has no balls on the tips, and two basic varieties with the motto in Italian or French depending on the nationality of the holder). The motto is complete here and has only modest chipping to the bottom of the blue band; the light blue enamel of the tips has faded with age and has some splits. The ribbon is a very old Second Empire period ribbon and is in good condition, but with normal overall fading. Old ribbons are very unusual with the Coronne as they almost invariably have rotted away. (I have found no genuine French First Empire ribbon in useable condition, and most are badly rotted and faded, if not shreading.)

This is one of three Coronnes that Robert Florey had in his collection that were purchased from French dealers from the 1930s to the 1960s. Robert Florey was the director of Flying Tigers, with John Wayne, and God Is My Co-Pilot among some 56 movies. His Coronnes were sold from his estate by Gale Hawkes, the noted dealer in medals and orders, around 1990, and then passed into a large and important Washington State collection for many years. Such items are increasingly rare and very seldom seen, especially with such provenance. Another, similar, French-made Coronne was offered in 2004 by a noted British dealer for some 4200 Pounds.

VF+ condition with original patina and old, Second Empire period ribbon.

Reference: Spada (France, Russia, Austria) page 57 no.1
$5,000.00 SOLD

Coronne de Fer

VF condition with original patina and modern ribbon.

1812 Knight’s Badge of the Legion of Honor by Biennais, 4th type with 3rd type crown.

A Legion of Honor that is unusual in that it can be both be identified to maker and relatively precisiely dated. Of all the order makers Biennais, jeweler to Napoleon, used a cross patee or maltese cross on the top rather than the latin cross. The crown shows decorative elements of the late 3rd type of Legion of Honor but the badge is 4th type with balls on the ends of the points (to prevent enamel chips, but not entirely successfully). This would date its manufacture to December 1812 after Napoleon’s return to Paris following the Russian disaster. There were few Legion badges made while the Russian invasion was in progress, but a large number were dispensed when Napoleon returned briefly in December to reorganize the government and suppress discontent and plots.

There is the unsual enamel splitting to the tips of the arms and contact chipping to the blue background of the motto on the reverse, but overall a very fine piece. A plus is the very old and possibly original, ribbon. It is older appearing than any of the hundreds of ribbons we have seen on First Empire Legions of Honor, and is dyed with the old vegetable dyes.

$1,250.00 SOLD

Order of the Reunion

Transitory and one of the scarcest Napoleonic items. Intended to replace a wide range of orders in the Netherlands and Germany, it was only issued for some five years before becoming obselete. There were around 1,400 awards made in three classes, of which this is an example of the Knights award. Some one third of the awards were to Frenchmen, and the majority were to Dutch citizens. With the first abdication of Napoleon it was no longer permitted to wear the badge itself, but the ribbon or sash could be worn. After the 100 days its use was entirely forbidden.

This example is of silver gilt and was clearly a daily wearing copy, still retaining what appears to be the original, light blue silk ribbon. Although crisp and in a good state of preservation, there is wear to the gilding, especially on the back where it would rub against clothing. There is some of the usual enamel splits that are shared by the Legion of Honor as well with its narrow points.

VF, except for some loss of gilding, with worn original ribbon
$1,500 SOLD

UNITED STATES

United States Miniature of the Army Congressional Medal of Honor

The only Medal of Honor it is legal to own unless it was awarded to you. In the U.S. miniatures are allowed for mess dress with the exception of the Medal of Honor, which always must be worn full size around the neck. A fine quality miniature MOH was produced after the Spanish American War in some 100 copies, but it was rejected by the U.S. military and these are seldom seen. Some few private miniatures have been made since of which this is one. This miniature seems to be a post WW II copy as it has a clutch back, and it clearly has seen much wear with some enamel chips and one clutch pin broken off. There were many MOHs awarded in WW II, so it seems the most likely period. The exact date is uncertain, however, with one expert thinking it pre WW II and another perhaps Viet Nam era. Very scarce and desirable whatever period it represents and almost certainly worn by a MOH recipient.

In the 1990s the U.S. government responded to the growing number of reproduction MOHs, and the buying and selling of the nation’s highest decoration, by making it illegal to own, buy or sell a MOH. Only holders of the decoration or their heirs could legally possess the piece. Several MOHs being offered or advertised in violation of this law were siezed, but as the miniature is completely unofficial it is exempt from this regulation.

Provenance: from a major German dealer.

$250.00 SOLD