A complete Set of the Order, 1st Class, 2nd type, White Distinction: Sash Badge in Gold as a purple-red enameled Maltese cross superimposed by a white enameled, 8-pointed star with chiseled borders and ball-finials; ivory-white enameled centre medallion with white border bearing the motto “FORTITUDO CHARITAS ABNEGATIO” in black, around a “gothic” ornament, within a roughly quadrangular outer border with chiseled details; below a polychrome enameled allegory of the Charity, rising from green enameled laurel wreath; elaborately ornamented upper loop, with round suspension ring; the reverse, similar to the obverse, but without the allegoric image; mother-of-pearl like enameled centre medallion within white enameled outer circlet, bearing inscription “BENEFICENCIA PUBLICA” and green enameled laurel wreath; with original, silk sash ribbon for ladies; Breast Star of Prince size, in gilt Silver (dark, homogeneous, fine patina!) with chiseled and pierced rays; the centre, as a white enameled, black- bordered, 8-pointed star with ball-finials; the centre medallion, like the badge’s obverse but larger; the reverse showing the elaborate assembly of the piece, convex counter-medallion and vertical pin; the whole in the original, bordeaux-red morocco case with fitted inner compartment; inner cushion with gold-embossed maker’s mark of Cejalvo, Madrid; the lid with applied a beautiful, elaborate plaque with gilt details and the enameled inscription “A LA SERENISIMA SENORA DUQUESA DE GUISA LARACHE Y AlCAZARQUIVIR ENERO- 1928”.
A beautiful, rare set of the order, with particularly fine sash badge and very rare Prince size breast star; excellent condition.
Dim.: the badge, 60,0 x 50,0 mm.; the star, 60,0 x 58,0 mm., 27.7 g.,
Provenance: the estate of Isabel, the Duchess of Guise (1878-1961); ex-auction at Christie’s, Oct. 14th, 2008, lot 167. I RR!