Order of the White Falcon (Hausorden vom Weißen Falken) - Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach

The Order of the White Falcon (Hausorden vom Weißen Falken) was originally founded in 1732 by Duke Ernest Augustus I of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. It was later renewed in 1815 by Grand Duke Charles Augustus and remained one of the most prestigious orders of merit within the Grand Duchy. This order was conferred upon individuals who provided exceptional service to the ducal house, as well as to distinguished foreign dignitaries and military personnel.

This particular example is a Commander’s Cross with Swords, denoting a military award for valor and distinguished service in wartime. The crossed swords were an addition specifically intended for officers who displayed notable bravery in battle.

Design & Features:

• Material: Silver, enamel, and gilt
• Obverse: A green-enameled Maltese cross with a white border, featuring a blue central medallion inscribed “VIGILANDO ASCENDIMUS” (Latin: Through Vigilance We Ascend), surrounded by a detailed golden laurel wreath.
• Reverse: The same Maltese cross, but with a white enameled falcon affixed at the center, an emblem of the ducal house of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.
• Crown: A detailed ducal crown sits atop the cross, intricately designed with raised beading and arches, reflecting the status of the award.
• Swords: The addition of crossed swords signifies that this award was bestowed for military merit rather than purely civil service. The swords are finely detailed and affixed between the arms of the cross.
• Suspension & Ribbon: The award is suspended from a long red silk ribbon, a characteristic of the Commander’s grade, indicating that this was intended to be worn around the neck.

Condition:

• Enamel: Excellent overall with minimal wear or damage; the green and white enamel remains vibrant.
• Metalwork: The silver detailing retains its original patina, and the gilding on the wreath and swords remains intact.
• Ribbon: The red ribbon is well-preserved, showing some minor signs of age-related wear.

Provenance & Rarity:

The Commander’s Cross with Swords is considered a rarer variation of the Order of the White Falcon, as fewer were awarded for military distinction than their civilian counterparts. These awards were typically bestowed upon high-ranking officers and foreign generals who had distinguished themselves in service to the Grand Duchy.

This piece is genuine, showing period wear consistent with an authentic award. Given the craftsmanship and provenance, this is a highly desirable acquisition for serious collectors of Imperial German and European orders.

Display & Collector’s Appeal:

This Order of the White Falcon would make an outstanding centerpiece in any collection of Imperial German medals and decorations, particularly those focused on German state orders, 19th-century military awards, or Saxon regalia. Due to its intricate enamel work, rarity, and excellent condition, it would also be ideal for museum display or high-end medal collectors.

Comparable Market Value: $3,000 – $3,500
This price reflects the rarity, condition, and desirability of the award in today’s collector’s market.

Final Notes:
A superb and historically significant award, this Commander’s Cross with Swords from the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach is an opportunity to own a true relic of Imperial German aristocratic and military history.