GREECE – Royal Order of the Redeemer, Transitional Gold Cross, c. 1863–1870, w. Miniature

Description

GREECE – Royal Order of the Redeemer, Transitional Gold Cross, c. 1863–1870
(Βασιλικόν Τάγμα του Σωτήρος / Royal Order of the Saviour)

The Order of the Redeemer is the oldest and highest-ranking order of merit of modern Greece. Authorized by the Fourth National Assembly at Argos in 1829 and formally established under King Otto in 1833, it was awarded for distinguished military, political, diplomatic, cultural and public service to the Greek state.
This example is an important transitional cross from the early reign of King George I, probably dating from approximately 1863–1870. The maker appears to have reused an older Otto-period body of the cross and fitted it with newly designed central medallions appropriate to the succeeding dynasty. Such transitional production reflects a period during which jewellers and manufacturers continued using existing stocks of components before entirely new models were commissioned.

The decoration is constructed throughout in solid gold, and consists of a white-enamelled Maltese cross resting upon a green-enamelled oak and laurel wreath, surmounted by an ornate royal crown. The obverse medallion depicts Christ the Redeemer, surrounded by the Greek inscription “Η ΔΕΞΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΧΕΙΡ ΚΥΡΙΕ, ΔΕΔΟΞΑΣΤΑΙ ΕΝ ΙΣΧΥΙ,” meaning “Your right hand, O Lord, is glorified in power.” The reverse bears the Greek national cross and an inscription referring to the Fourth National Assembly at Argos in 1829.
The original body of the cross is probably of German manufacture and represents the earlier Otto-period tradition. The subsequent replacement or modification of the central medallions may have been carried out in France, possibly by Lemaitre of Paris, although this attribution cannot be conclusively confirmed without a visible maker’s mark.

Small transitional crosses of this type probably remained in circulation during the first years of George I’s reign. As the new Glücksburg dynasty consolidated its position, insignia bearing associations with the deposed King Otto were gradually altered or replaced by newly manufactured models reflecting the new monarchy.
The accompanying case appears to belong to a later and considerably larger version of the Order. It is therefore unlikely to be the original fitted case for this particular cross, although it may be of French manufacture, possibly by Lemaitre.

Condition: Very Fine to Extremely Fine; a particularly attractive and well-preserved solid-gold example. Painted central portrait and Greek inscriptions remain clear, while the white, blue and green enamel is generally intact with light surface marks and possible fine age-related hairlines. Crown, wreath and suspension complete. Pale-blue ribbon with white borders and rosette present, showing fading, creasing, loose threads and wear consistent with age. Solid-gold construction verified; exact maker and place of modification remain unconfirmed.