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circa 1860/70. Exceptionally fine craftsmanship in gold, hollow construction, finely enameled on both sides. The White Falcon, especially the plumage, executed with exceptional detail. The reverse with detailed elaborately designed military trophy of arms, the crown with pierced work. The cross suspended from a large movable exceptionally wide crown on the original order sash. Only lightly worn, condition 2+. Rarely found in this quality.

The House Order of Vigilance or of the White Falcon was founded on August 2, 1732 by Duke Ernst August. Until 1815 the order consisted of only one class. Grand Duke Carl August renewed the order on October 18, 1815 (date of the Battle of Leipzig). The order consisted of 3 classes: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. The Grand Crosses were limited to 12, not counting the Grand Duke and the Princes of the House. Prerequisites for the award of the Grand Cross were the rank of Privy Councilor or Major General. The insignia were required to be returned upon death. Until the institution of swords in 1870, the order was awarded without swords for civil and military merit. For members of ruling houses (royalty), larger versions of the Grand Cross were manufactured.

Magnificent specimen in finest Dresden jeweler quality, manufactured in gold, finely enameled on both sides. The crown and inlays between the cross arms are particularly finely chased. The swords are without any doubt original and belong to this piece. The addition of the swords on the ring was executed by Court Jeweler Scharffenberg. Complete with long original neck ribbon as worn. Only minimally worn, in excellent condition.
The specialized literature lists the following award numbers for the order crosses of the highest classes of the Merit Cross with Swords on Ring in genuine gold execution: 2 Grand Crosses, 4 Commander's Crosses 1st Class, 6 Commander's Crosses 2nd Class.
Possible recipients of this piece include Major General v. Schmalz, Lieutenant General Eugen v. Kirchbach, and Lieutenant General v. Isendorf.

This is the only known piece, extremely rare. This order was auctioned by Andreas Thies in his 56th auction in 2014. Photocopies from the auction catalog are included.