An important complete set of the Latvian Order of the Three Stars, Second Class, manufactured during the 1920s–1930s by the renowned insignia manufacturer F.W. Müller of Riga. The set comprises the neck badge with its original ribbon, the breast star, and the original fitted presentation case. The badge is executed in gilt silver, 875 standard, enriched with finely fired white and blue enamel. The eight-pointed breast star is crafted in silver with finely faceted rays. Its central medallion displays three gilt stars against a blue enamel ground, encircled by the national motto of the Republic of Latvia. This complete insignia represents an authentic example from the formative period of Latvias highest state decoration and exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship for which the Riga workshops of F.W. Müller became internationally recognised.
Marks: Manufacturers mark: Ordenu Fabrika Riga Latvija F.W. Müller. Official Latvian assay marks for 875 silver.
Dimensions: Badge: 65 × 55 mm. Breast Star: 70 × 70 mm.
Weight: Badge: 40 g. Breast Star: 70 g.
Provenance: From the collection of Justice Counsellor Gunnar Dahlman, 1895–1963.
The Order of the Three Stars is the highest state decoration of the Republic of Latvia. Instituted on 24 March 1924, it commemorates the countrys independence and symbolises the historic unity of Latvias three cultural and historical regions: Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale. The decoration was awarded to distinguished statesmen, diplomats, senior military officers, members of the judiciary, scholars and cultural figures whose service made an exceptional contribution to the Latvian state. During the interwar period, the Order rapidly gained international prestige, its recipients including heads of state, ministers, diplomats and eminent representatives of Europes political and intellectual elite.
Production of the insignia was entrusted to the Riga insignia manufacturer F.W. Müller, founded by Friedrich Wilhelm Müller. The firm became the principal producer of Latvian state decorations and earned an outstanding reputation for the precision of its die striking, the quality of its silverwork and the exceptional standard of its hand-applied vitreous enamels. The firms decorations rank among the finest examples of European phaleristic craftsmanship of the first half of the twentieth century and are today highly sought after by museums and advanced collectors.
The Second Class represented one of the Orders highest distinctions and was reserved for individuals occupying senior positions within the government, diplomatic corps, judiciary and armed forces. Complete surviving sets retaining their original fitted cases are considerably rarer than individual insignia and are especially prized within institutional and private collections. The documented provenance of the present example, originating from the collection of Justice Counsellor Gunnar Dahlman, further enhances its historical importance, making it not only an exceptional example of Latvian phaleristics but also an important witness to the history of the Republic of Latvia.
Very good condition. Complete set retaining its original presentation case and neck ribbon. The enamels are well preserved with only minor signs of age and careful handling consistent with the period.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
