Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of gold. The arms are enamelled in blue and feature a golden ball finial at each tip. The centre medallion is enamelled in red with a monogram ‘C’, surrounded by a broad white enamelled ring with the inscription ‘A SES AMIS 1809’ (‘to his friends’). The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion features an anchor and the inscription ‘ELLE SOUTIENT L’AMITIE’ (‘they [cross and anchor] support the friendship’). In between the two tips of the 12 o’clock arm is an agraffe, attached to which is an eyelet and the loop for suspension. On a light blue ribbon with yellow side stripes.

History

The House Order of Isenburg-Birstein was founded by Prince Charles of Isenburg-Birstein to reward merit to the royal house, and meritorious services to the state.

There is limited information regarding this item, as Isenburg-Birstein, which was renamed the Principality of Isenburg in 1806, was mediatised in 1815.