Dating St. Henri Ritterkreuzes

[stogieman]

So, in case you have not deduced this yet, I love Saxony. Especially, The Saxon Military Order of St. Henry. This was the highest bravery in battle award this kingdom could give. One thing that appeals to me beyond the beauty of the piece, is the fact that it was awarded strictly for bravery, without regard to rank, societal stature or prior awards. One only had to commit an act of bravery, in the field, above and beyond the call of duty to be recognized. A unique characteristic amongst the many Germanic House Orders. Here are two of my favorites. Can you tell the differences and guess which one is older? When were they made??<br>
<img src=http://www.imperialorders.com/collectionpix/1870shrk1.jpg><br>
<img src=http://www.imperialorders.com/collectionpix/1870shrk2.jpg>
<br>
And the next contender:<br>
<br>
<img src=http://www.imperialorders.com/collectionpix/1916shrk1.jpg>
<br>
<img src=http://www.imperialorders.com/collectionpix/1916shrk2.jpg>

[Tom Y]

Just a guess, but I'd say the first one is the older, maybe 1870's. It appears to be solid gold, or at least the gilding is better than the lower one. The green enamel is heavier and of a deeper color, and the lozenges are much more defined. The figure of St. Henri is more detailed, too. Since '70 was the peak for EK's, I'm assuming it was for St. Henri's. That would make the lower one WWI production. Also, #1 looks like it's been knocking around longer.

[mott5ranch]

Both awards are stunning! Absolutely beautiful awards. I had wondered where your avatar picture had come from. It was similiar to the St. Sava but that wasn't it. Now I see. Since I am the collector who looks at these not only for their beauty and historical importance but as an investment I was wondering. What would be the fair market value of these? I am sure others would also like to know. I understand in most social circles we do not ask what the house or car or furniture costs....but isn't this different? I apoligise if I am out of line. I just want to learn more.

[stogieman]

Well, beauty is in..........

.........the eye of the beholder, or holder as the case may be! If you can buy this cross for under $900-US, grab it and run. Prices are consistently in the 900-1150-US range right now. probably because some idiot in the states keeps buying almost every one he finds! (hmmmmmm) My first one was cased and cost me $900-US. Rick Lundstrom remembers passing on them at shows for only $450. Uncased ones fetch the stated range, unless they're trashed (still saw a rough one bring $800+) Cased ones will cost you $1400+ these days. There were none around for 2 years, then a spate of them last year. Roughly only 2750 in silver gilt (total!) from 1808 through 1918 (Knight's Crosses) About another 760 in real gold, same time period. Far less than this of the higher grades and the gold medal. Silver medal was around 9000. So, RK's are rather scarce!

[Daniel Krause]

Hi Stogieman,

thank You for posting the pictures. Are there any makers marks? They are definetly WW1 issue and from different makers. 1870/71 issue pieces are real gold and St,.Henry has a sword. In WW1, I think around 1916 the pieces were made much cheaper in the quality. Unfortunately, I gave my "saxon bible" to a friend, so I can say You more when the book is back.

Bestr greetings

Daniel

[stogieman]

Thanks Daniel!

You are right! Both WW1, but the darker enamel, along with being consistent with pre-1900 crosses, is also consistent with crosses made by Roessner. (as is the brighter gilding) The other cross is typical Scharffenberg work, 1915-1917. The tiny hilt of the sword is one of the keys to dating these crosses. There are also some subtle differences in the portrait styles that will help to date an earlier cross. Unfortunately, I don't have an early one to share. But I am still looking!!