An Order’s Jewel, 20 x 20,5 mm., GOLD, enameled, miniature-painting and Brilliants, suspension ring made of gold wire of square section, suspended to its original, ancient ribbon. I RR!
An exceptional and very rare piece of the finest quality and detail, dating to the late 18th Century; almost certainly a work of a jeweller active on behalf of the Danish court. This one-class order, worn as a collar on ceremonial occasions, or wearing the badge suspended to a pale blue sash and a breast star (or as a large miniature as a breast badge, for “everyday’s wear” on the court’s habit), is Denmark’s highest chivalric distinction, its history dates back to 1464, thus being one of the most ancient and prestigious orders of Europe. In its evolution it was and still is awarded to foreign sovereigns and heads of states only, and to Danes with exceptional merits to the throne. At the death of a Knight, wherever he lived, the decoration of the Elephant is being recovered by emissaries of the Order’s Chapter.