This is called a breast star and was usually awarded with a coresponding medal. I think it's German or Prussian. My FIL collected quite a few of these that I have IDed so far, but can't find any info about this one. Hint: Don't type "German breast star" in your search. You won't like what comes up. Frank
I ran a quick search on the Latin motto and this is (as far as I could find) a pre 1917 Star of the Order of the White Eagle and is either Russian or Polish. The order was set up in the 1700s but I don't know any more than that, there are a number of sites and unless you read Polish or Russian, make sure you request the site in English :)
The Latin inscription reads Pro Fide Rege Et Lege and means For Faith, The King and Law.
Edited to add image link
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&as_qdr=all&q=order+of+the+white+eagle&btnG=Search
This message was edited May 29, 2004 8:43 AM
This has been the only exact one I've found.
http://www.emedals.ca/catalog.asp?item=R98
all of the other have been with swords. The one with swords seems pretty valuable.
Found another.
http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache:360zkAK_iRwJ:www.sovietmedals.com/showcat.htm%3Fcat%3DIMPMEDAL+Star+of+%22Order+of+White+Eagle%22+&hl=en
So far that specific one seems to date between 1908 and 1917
This company dates it from 1896-1908
http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/FMPro?-db=lmc_Orders.fp5&-format=lmc/start2.htm&-new
This message was edited May 29, 2004 11:11 AM
Once again DG is better than google. Thank you for the links because it explained to me why he bought the star, a reproduction. He also had this, a real one.
That last one is beautiful.
Polish Order of White Eagle was Polands highest order. Russia conquered Poland in 1826 and changed the catholic Polish order to Russian orthodox Imperial order. Russia added the 2 headed eagle behind the white eagle. Thanks again for your info about the white eagle order. I was lost. Frank
I used to love all the old movies with Russians (and others) in their splendidly festooned dress uniforms. That second badge reminds me of them... it's lovely!
