Complete Set of Grand Cross of the Order. Sash Badge, 87x78 mm., blue enameled, white bordered cross of Maltese type in GOLD with ball-finials, flanked by golden fleurs de lys, oval centre medallion with the image of the Holy Virgin in gold and enamels on a base of beams and blue border within polished gold edge, oval reverse medallion with the crowned monogram “C III” in gold on deep-blue enamel within white enameled border bearing the motto “VIRTUTI ET MERITO”, the upper arm, surmounted by a golden, oval laurel wreath, tied by a blue enameled ribbon below, suspension ring enameled with the order’s colours, with original sash ribbon. Breast Star, 86x84 mm., Silver with chieseled and pierced arms, oval centre in gold with polychrome enameled image of the Holy Virgin, standing on golden clouds and a back- ground of enameled beams, blue enameled outer circlet, the lower half bearing a white enameled scroll with the Order’s motto “VIRTUTI ET MERITO” in golden lettering and a little oval with the monogram “C III”, slightly concave reverse with engraved counter-medallion, fitted with vertical pin, in the original, dark blue morocco case of issue with fitted inner compartment.
A luxury-made set, rare in this quality, excellent condition. Provenance: the estate of Constantin Franz v. Neurath (1807 – 1876),
Wurttembergian politician and state official, he took the post of Wurttemberg’s Foreign Minister and minister of Justice, besides other important charges. I R!