Ordre du Saint-Esprit, deux insignes de la fin du XIXe siècle, provenant probablement de Philippe Duc d’Orléans (1869-1926)

comprenant : (i) une croix en vermeil et émail ornée d’une colombe d’argent en applique, les yeux et le bec en émail, le revers orné d’une figure de saint Michel, avec un annelet de suspension tubulaire, accompagnée d’un cordon ; et (ii) une plaque en argent, centrée d’une colombe posée sur un fond en émail vert, les yeux et le bec en émail, les branches à motifs d’écailles de poisson, la broche poinçonnée (excellent état)

Extremely fine condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Probablement réalisée pour Philippe d’Orléans (1869-1926), l’arrière-petit-fils du roi Louis-Philippe (dont il descendait par chacun de ses parents) : il porta le titre de Duc d’Orléans à partir de 1880. A la fin du XIXe siècle, il ressuscita l’ordre du Saint-Esprit et aimait, ainsi que l’attestent les photographies contemporaines, l’arborer en même temps que d’autres ordres.

Order of the Saint-Esprit, a set of insignia, unsigned, late 19th Century, comprising: (i) sash badge, in silver-gilt and enamels, with applied dove in silver having enamelled eyes and beak, the figure of St Michael at reverse centre, with barrel-loop for suspension, width 68mm, on sash; and (ii) breast star, in silver with green enamel centre beneath dove and with enamelled eyes and beak, ‘fish scale’ decoration to rays, width 80mm, marked on brooch-pin, in extremely fine condition   

Probably made for Philippe d’Orléans (1869-1926), the great-grandson (by descent through both of his parents) of King Louis-Philippe, who held the title of Duc d'Orléans from 1880. In the late 19th Century he revived the Order of the Saint-Esprit and was, as contemporary photographs demonstrate, fond of wearing this as well as his other Orders.