A Miniature of the Order, 19 x 15 mm., GOLD, white enameled cross of typical form, obverse centre medallion with the enameled colurs red-white-red, within white enameled outer circlet, white enameled reverse centre medallion, bearing the Imperial monogram, within translucent, green enameled outer circlet; round upper loop.
A beautiful, extremely rare cross dating from the Napoleonic Wars, with sure signs of use, 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.