Officer’s Badge of the Order, 75 x 45 mm., GOLD, with white enameled arms and pomed finials, bearing to the obverse the letters “H S C W” one on each arm (initials of “Henricus”, “Sigismundus”, “Carolus”, “Wenceslaus”), flanked by golden flames, dark blue enameled, oval centre medallion to the obverse, bearing the inscription “ILLUSTRI ET NOBI” (shortened form for “Illustribus et Nobilitati” = “to the illustrious and to the nobility”), golden smooth outer circlet, the reverse, with initials “P P D E” (whose meaning is until now unclear) and blue enameled centre medallion, bearing the image of an angel holding a torch, guiding a man, Royal, suspension crown fixed to the upper arm, round ribbon ring, and original, pale blue ribbon with rosette.
A beautiful, most rare decoration of the finest quality, dating to the first years of 19th Century, excellent condition. I RR!
note: this order, was instituted in 1768 by Philipp Ferdinand, Duke of Limburg-Styrum, to commemorate the 4 emperors born from the princely house of Limburg and to reward the highest nobility.