This is a particularly fine example crafted by the Bavarian court jeweler Quellhorst, circa 1850. Silver breast star, the applied cross arms and medallion in gold, the center with gold motto “Virtuti Pro Patria”, the background blue enameled, the cross arms with finely granulated silver inlay. The reverse gilt, the medallion bearing the maker's mark “Quellhorst”, the pin with the Austrian import mark for silver goods “A”, from 1872 onwards. Complete in the distinctive octagonal presentation case, exterior covered with brown leather, interior with light gray velvet bed, the lid interior with white silk lining. Only lightly worn, in wonderful condition.
Extremely rare, of museum-quality significance, offered by us for the first time in over 35 years of business.
The Military Order of Max Joseph was established by Bavarian King Maximilian I Joseph by army order of March 1, 1806, retroactive to January 1, 1806, and was the highest military order of merit of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The order consisted of three classes: Grand Cross, Commander's Cross, and Knight's Cross. Recipients were entered into the nobility register and received the addition “Ritter von” (Knight of) to their civilian name (for example, Wilhelm Leeb became Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb). The Grand Cross was only awarded to generals; during the period 1816–1876 there were only 11 awards in total, 10 of which went to foreigners.
This piece originates from the estate of Julius Jakob Freiherr von Haynau (* October 14, 1786 in Kassel; † March 14, 1853 in Vienna), General of Artillery (Feldzeugmeister); the award was made in 1849 for the suppression of the uprisings in Hungary. The order remained in the family after the general's death.
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