Physical Description

A collar constructed of gold, enamels, gemstones, and diamonds. The chain of the collar consists of four link styles. The first link style is a crown set with topaz, emeralds, and rubies. The second link style is an entwined monogram "CC" inset with diamonds. The third style is a Brunswick stead entirely set in diamonds. The final link style is peacock feathers set in emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. There are sixteen links total. The main four link styles are attached together by smaller spherical links set in gemstones. The Grand Cross in gold and enamels with diamonds and gemstones is attached to a central crown link on the collar.

History

The House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion was established by Duke Ludwig Rudolf in 1731, following his accession to power. The statutes of the order were dated July 27, 1731.

The order had only 24 living members, which consisted of 12 Gentlemen and 12 Ladies. It was recommended to engage in charitable acts towards widows and orphaned children, and swearing and defamation was prohibited. Upon the death of the recipient, the award had to be returned.

Duke Ludwig Rudolf died on March 1, 1735 and the order was transferred to the East Frisian Princely House of Circksena. Prince Carl Eduard became the grand master of the order and continued to award it. A handwritten list from the Duke from 1737 shows that 20 people bore the order, 9 of which were women.
On May 26, 1744, Prince Carl Eduard died and the order was lost. It would not be until 1834 when the order would be reinstated as the Dukely Order Of Henry The Lion.

The motto of the House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion was "SEMPER IDEM", which translates to "Always the Same".

The collar of the House Antecedent Order of Henry the Lion is incredibly rare.