Orders & Decorations Germany - Hesse Kassel :... Lot 21

Orders & Decorations Germany - Hesse Kassel : WILHELMS-ORDEN Grand Cross. The order's small gold and enamel, on a particularly beautiful, sewn and worn original sash. The movably suspended crown in especially sculptural goldsmith's work and finely chased. The enamel work of the medallions and the arms of the cross in particularly beautiful quality. The letters of the ruler's cipher of the lapel medallion with grained background and polished edges. Extremely rare Grand Cross and complete with original sash only known in very few examples. In the entire award period from the foundation of the order in 1851 until the annexation of the Electorate of Hesse by Prussia in 1866, only 63 Grand Crosses were awarded. One of the great rarities among the German orders. 1-2