July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
A rare Lippe-Detmold House Order 3rd Class with "L". Lippe was a principality in Northern Germany until 1918, and Detmold was the largest city. 276 of these orders were awarded between 1889-1918, and were subject to return after the death of the recipient or receipt of a higher class. They were made in Hannover, Germany by the firm Carl Buesch. The arms and 2 emblems are gold, and at least 14 karat. On the obverse of the house order, in the center of the medallion, is the enameled, red Lippe rose on a white enameled background. Approximately 50% of the red enamel remains. The rose is surrounded by a blue enameled wreath with a lined gold border with the inscription "FUR TREUE UND VERDIENST" (FOR LOYALTY AND MERIT) reads. The wreath is surrounded by an eight-pointed, lined and golden aureole. The arms of the cross are enameled white and have smooth golden borders. The white enamel has very light staining and a tiny sliver is missing on the upper right arm. The reverse, which is identical except for the medallion, shows the crowned cipher "L" for Leopold in the middle. The white enamel has very light staining and the red enamel appears undamaged. The middle medallions are fixed diagonally with a small round pin. The order is hung on a fan-shaped clasp with a loop for the ribbon ring. The ribbon is missing. Badge brought back by a US Army veteran who served in Germany during the 1970s-1980s. CONDITION: Overall excellent. WEZ
Item Dimensions: 2" X 2"