Military Order of St. Henry, Commander’s 1st Class Cross and Star, 1813

This is a Commander’s 1st Class insignia set of the Military Order of St. Henry, dated 1813, consisting of a cross and a breast star. The cross, following the 1807 model, is constructed of massive gold with white filleted enameling.

It features trefoiled crowns with green enamel details between the arms. The obverse center displays a miniature portrait of St. Henry in armor, surrounded by a blue enamel circlet with the inscription “FRID . AUG. D.G. REX SAX. INS TAURAVIT.”. The reverse center features a red-golden chiselled medallion with black enameled bands and a diagonal curved crown, encircled by the motto “VIRTUTI IN BELLO”. The piece includes an upper crown suspension and an original neck ribbon.

The accompanying breast star measures 72 mm and features polished silver rays. Its central medallion is yellow-enameled with a painted image of the saint, framed by a blue circlet bearing the motto “VIRTUTI IN BELLO”. The set is accompanied by historical documents, including the letter of bestowal to Brigadier General Baron Dommanget dated July 16th, 1813.