Knight’s Cross, 33x30 mm., GOLD, enameled, the obverse centre medallion made of two separate parts, with finest chisel-work under the translucent, bright red enamel, downwardly running Order’s motto “FORTITVDINI” (as on the earliest badges) linked by a six-pointed asterisk, the reverse medallion with golden monogram on a white field within the green enameled outer circlet, finely chiselled with laurel leaves, both medallions, fixed to the cross by means of thin pins passing through the centre body, typical upper loop, with engraved border and closed suspension ring with central groove, triangular ribbon.
A beautiful, extremely rare cross dating from the Napoleonic Wars, of excellent quality and condition, considering its age. I RR!
Provenance: Count Gustaf Carl Friedrik Löwenhielm (1771-1856), born in Stockholm, as son of the Royal Swedish Chancellor, sent in 1781 to study at the University of Strasbourg he became an officer and participated to many military campaigns during the Napoleonic wars; in 1808, he fell prisoner of the Russians, being released one year later. He then passed to the diplomatic service under King Charles XIV Johann, being also granted the title of Director General of the Swedish theatres. This cross became also part of the Fitz-James collection, throughout today.