2 Bavaria, Order of Saint Hubert: Important early Breast Badge, dating from the mid 18th Century.
Important early badge to be worn at the button - hole of a Knight of the Order. Of finest quality. Bronze - fire-gilt and enamel.
Formally, this cross of the Order of St. Hubert corresponds to the form worn on the order#s collar chain.
As can be seen on some 18th century portraits of knights of the Order of Saint Hubert, it was customary at that time to wear a smaller badges in the buttonhole in daily use instead of the order's collar reserved for official occasions or the large and massive sash badge which was also intended for formal occasions.
This custom was also common in other important orders of chivalry, such as the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Only a few examples of these badges have survived in collections.
Comparative examples from the collection of the Bavarian Royal Family (Wittelsbacher Ausgleichsfond) are kept at Hohenschwangau Castle. These badges are very similar to the cross offered here.
Exceptionally rare decoration in excellent condition, especially considering its age of over 250 years.
This piece of insignia is illustrated and described in Karsten Klingbeil / Andreas Thies, Orden 1700 - 2000, Volume I, No. 179.