Order of the Eagle of Este, Foreign Division, Knight
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.ITA.0104.304.01.000
Estimated market value:
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(L'Ordine dell'Aquila Estense, Croce da Commadatore). 1855-1859 Issue. Civil Divison. Pre Italian Kingdom Invasion. A hollow Gold Maltese Cross of fine early craftsmanship, with blue (officially referred to as “overseas azure”) and white enameled arms separated by a fine golden line, with ball finals, delicately crafted and finely detailed arabesques between the arms of the cross, with a single white enameled letter in each quadrant forming the word “Este”, the obverse with a central blue enameled medallion depicting a hand painted crowned eagle surrounded by a white ring of enamels, inscribed “Prozima Soli MDCCCLV” (Latin - Of the Sun, 1855) in Gold, the reverse with a central white enameled medallion depicting Saint Contardo’s effigy, surrounded by a ring of blue enamels, inscribed “S. Contardus Atestinus” (Latin - St. Contardus Atestina), suspended from a gold hollow crown and ring, sewn to interior of period triangular ribbon, measuring 39 mm (w) x 60.50 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension adorned by cross), weighing 18.2 grams, with obverse exhibiting old enamel repairs, revere with hairline cracks to centre medallion and loss on blue enamel surround, contact to obverse crown, good/fine.
The Order of the Eagle of Este was established by Francis V of Austria-Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio, in 1855. It was conferred upon civilians and military personnel in recognition of meritorious service and loyalty to the Duke. It could also be awarded to foreign recipients.
The Order consisted of Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight classes. Each one was limited for both military and civil divisions with the same number of members. In total for both divisions the Grand Cross was limited to 20 members, the Commander was limited to 40, and the Knight was limited to 120. The Order allowed the admission of extra-numerary members if they paid certain taxes.
When the Order was awarded for civil merit the awards featured an oak wreath suspension; when the Order was awarded for military merit the awards featured a trophy of arms suspension; and when the Order was awarded to extra-numerary, mainly foreigners, the awards featured a gold crown suspension.
After the original recipient died, his heirs were required to return the Order awards to the Chancellery of the Order.
The Order ceased to be awarded in 1861 when Modena was declared part of the Kingdom of Italy; however, since then it is granted as a dynastic order by the Royal House of Austria-Este.
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