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Elephant Stars

Order of the Elephant

Denmark

1693-2025

This chapter will be about some of the different Elephant Badges. I have been looking and digging for information through the last 30 years to understand a bit of this history. My focus is to display the variations of these beautiful pieces of art.

I must thank the huge inventory at Livrustkammaren in Stockholm Sweden. They have a huge collection of historical pieces with historical information.  As you see on this page a lot of the photos are still in black and white. Hopefully one day one will have more of these photos in high resolution color.  They have iincluded the history of these pieces and on many the dimensions are included. Unfortunately the weight of the pieces are missing. I am sure this will be available one day. Of course the largest collection is at the Chancery at the Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen.

The Livrustkammaren is located next to the Royal Castle in Stockholm. I have visited their exhibitions several times. Very nice and and very interesting. About 20 years ago I was to have meetings with them and also having a real look at their vaults.  Unfortuntely Radon gas had been measured at too high levels and the old vaults were closed for all visits for years.  Still we had some very good meetings and discussed their collection of orders.  Since then they have moved their photos from their old website and now you find most of it on Wikimedia Commons, Europeana, Omnia.ie, etc.  Hopefully what you find there will be on these pages, plus alot more.

Scroll down (look below) to see these Elephant Stars! Please enjoy!

-1670   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : DHM.DE
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D994x
Date       : 1670 estimated
Knight #   : 

 

Order of the Elephant, Breaststar, Denmark, around 1670
The silver-embossed star is screwed onto the chest of an Electoral Saxon field cuirass.
Donor: King Christian I of Denmark

-1693   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Drawing from the Statutes
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D296x
Date       : 1693.12.01 Statutes
Knight #   : 

 

Drawing from the Statutes dated 1st Decenber 1693. Both non coloured and coloured. You can easily see they are not identical. 

-1693-1808   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 110
Width  (mm): 110
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D229x
Date       : 1693-1808 period
Knight #   : 

 

 Photo: Jean-Luc Guitera

 

-1731   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Fredrik Fabritius
J period   : 1720-1746
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King Christian VI

Height (mm): 118
Width  (mm): 118
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D307x
Date       : 1731 Crowning
Knight #   : 

 

5550. Order of the Elephant breast star to wear on the anointing jumper. Diamonds on gold with enamel. Made for the coronation of King Christian VI by Frederik Fabritius in 1731.

 

-1770   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : J. F. Fistaine
J period   : 1768-1792
Owner      : Rosenborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 144
Width  (mm): 144
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D307x
Date       : 1770 
Knight #   : 

 

Star of the Order of the Elephant, brilliants and pearls on gold and enamel. Possibly made c. 1770 by J.F. Fistaine.

 

-1800   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Morton & Eden / eMedals
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 131.5
Width  (mm): 129
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D131x
Date       : 1800 ish 
Knight #   : 

 

Morton & Eden 278
*Denmark, Order of the Elephant, paper-backed bullion breast star, in silver, silver wire, silver sequins, coiled silver
thread and foil, circa 1800, 130 x 130mm approx., with loops at the tips of each ray for thread suspension, good very fine
£3,000-4,000 Ex Peter Maren Collection.
 
Emedals.com: Denmark, Kingdom. An Order of the Elephant, I Class Embroidered Star, c.1800
(Elefantordenen). Instituted December 1, 1693 by King Christian V. Type III. (pre-1909 Issue). An excellent quality four-point silver embroidered star comprising alternating rays of silver sequins and silver beading of increasing lengths, each ray ending in an eyelet, center obverse presents a beaded cross on a red foil background, surrounded by a silver bullion wreath with gilt details at 12 and 6 o’clock, with an outer beaded ring and silver wire ring, reverse is reinforced with pencil marks of 65b, measuring 129mm (w) x 131.5mm (h), uneven patina, loose bullion along short 8 o’clock ray, foil and beading completely intact, near extremely fine condition.

 

-1808.05.18   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Christian Gregersen Hielm
J period   : 1793-1817
Owner      : Osenat.com/lot/21004/4364512
Awarded to : Napoleon I of France

Height (mm): 110
Width  (mm): 110
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D200x
Date       : 1808.05.18 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Order of the Elephant, instituted in 1693. -Plaque... - Lot 122 - Osenat 105 000 Euros in auction
Order of the Elephant, instituted in 1693. -Knight's plaque of the Emperor
Napoleon ler. Radiant star with four main branches in silver plate, sequins and canetille. Centre on a burgundy velvet background, decorated with a Latin cross in silver cabochons and branches of laurel in sequins and silver flakes, tied with a ribbon in gold flakes. White leather lining marked with a pen by the Danish maker Christian Gregersen Hielm (1758-1817).
Diameter: 11 cm. T.T.B. First Empire Provenance: - Belonged to the Emperor
Napoleon I. - Taken from the Emperor's sedan at Waterloo. - Given after the battle of Waterloo, by Marechal Blucher to ajor General Wilhem Benjamin van Panhuys, representing the Netherlands in Blucher's General Staff, then descendants. - Acquired by Prince Louis II of Monaco. The archives of the Napoleonic Museum in Monaco contain a translation of the certificate given by
G.E.A. van Panhuys, son of the general: ‘I the undersigned G.E.A. van Panhuys, Lieutenant General, retired, Aide de Camp in extraordinary service to H.M. the King of the Netherlands declare that: Only son of Major General W.B. van Panhuys, during his lifetime Governor of Surinam (now Dutch Guiana), who died in 1816, possesses as heir a part of the decorations which were found after the battle of Waterloo in the travelling carriage of Emperor Napoleon I, and which were given by Field Marshal Prince Blücher to the aforementioned Major General. The latter had taken part in the battles of Ligny and Waterloo alongside the Marechal in his capacity as Commissioner to H.M. the King of the Netherlands. This gift was given to Major General van Panhuys, as can be seen from the copy of the King of Prussia's order dated 3 May 1815 and the King's letter dated 28 August 1815. The following six decorations which had formerly belonged to Emperor Napoleon I came into the possession of General Van Panhuys: 1- Plaque de la Légion d'honneur. 2- Plaque of the Danish Order of the Oliphant (sic) 3- Jewel of the Saxon Order of the Crown of the Street with the large green ribbon. 4- Plaque from the Württemberg Order of the Golden Eagle, known as the ‘Jagdorden’ 5- Jewel from this order. 6- Plaque from the Baden Order ‘Pour le Merite’. History: Napoleon I was made a Knight of the Order of the Elephant by King Frederick VI of Denmark on 18 May 1808, shortly after the alliance between the two countries. It was in Bayonne, during a private audience at 9am on 6 July, that Napoleon received this ‘token of the King's invariable attachment and perseverance in the union against the common enemy’. On 12 July, he thanked Frederic VI: ‘Monsieur mon Frere, M. de Rosenkrantz, chamberlain to Your Majesty, has given me the decoration of the Order of the Elephant that she has sent me. I thank her for this token of her friendship...’. Exhibition and bibliography: - ‘La Berline de Napoleon - Le mystere du Butin de Waterloo’.

 

-1811.09.09   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : Carl Ludwig Friedrich of Baden

Height (mm): 97
Width  (mm): 96
Weight(gr) : 62.7
Tracking # : D156x
Date       : 1811.09.09 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Lot 124 | Denmark: elephant order, breast star, in a case - Grand Duke Carl Ludwig Friedrich of Baden Denmark: elephant order, breast star, in a case - Grand Duke Carl Ludwig Friedrich of Baden. Silver, the medallion in Gold, silver and enamel, very fine chased and matted, the medallion reason, multiple punctuated, high curved back side gilded, on pin, two side hooks in red leather case, golden embossed decorative edge, referred to also in gold letters ELEPHANTS STAR, the inner edge with gold embossing, turquoise Inlay, with the recess for the star, the sky is white with two lateral locking hooks, on the green ground, paper label with a religious denomination. The attached extract from the Register of the knights of the elephant order of 1846. VPI1 S. 201, BURKE, S. 301ff 97 x 96 mm, 62,7 g.
Carl Ludwig Friedrich of Baden was at 8. June 1786 in Karlsruhe-born. After his father died in 1801, on the return voyage from Russia in the case of Arboga in Sweden, deadly, he was adopted by his grandfather, the Grand Duke Carl Friedrich, 1808, in a certain way for a coregent. His career in the military made him General of the Russian infantry, as well as the owner of the small-reußischen Grenadier-regiment. After the death of his grandfather, he took over at the 10. June, 1811, the business of government - on 9. In September of the same year he was decorated with the elephant order. He even donated on 26. December 1812 the order of the Zähringer lion. He dies on 8. December 1818 in Rastatt. Condition: I Bene Merenti Auktionen
Source: https://veryimportantlot.com/en/lot/view/danemark-elefanten-orden-bruststern-im-etui-g-357

-1840   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Paul Reesen Eggersen
J period   : 1832-1841
Owner      : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 78.4
Width  (mm): 79.5
Weight(gr) : 37.1
Tracking # : D056
Date       : 1840-1844 jeweller 
Knight #   : 

 

This is shown in the famous book of Lars Stevnsborg Fig 76 on orders from Denmark. From the collection of Ove Pontoppidan who died end of the 1990's.
Order of the Elephant, privatly made in silver, gold and enamel with 10 rosenstones. Hallmarked "P.R.Eggersen" who was the royal jeweller between 1840 and 1844. Very rare item.

-1840   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D188x
Date       : 1840 estimate
Knight #   : 

 

Photo: Jean-Luc Guitera

-1840.06.28   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Friedrich Wilhelm Nicolaus Carl landgreve of Hessen

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D100x
Date       : 1840.06.28
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
Belonged to Friedrich Wilhelm Nicolaus Carl landgreve of Hessen (1820-1884)
Fig 12 page 48 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded Knight of the Elephant, 28 June 1840

-1841.02.27   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Kaiser Wilhelm I 

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 73
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D103x
Date       : 1841.02.27
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888)
Fig 11 page 47 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded Knight of the Elephant, 27 February1841

-1842.04.05   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Hamlet/London
J period   : 1820-1840
Owner      :
Awarded to : Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Height (mm): 90
Width  (mm): 86
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D130x
Date       : 1842.04.05 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1823-1842-1883)
Fig 18 page 52 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded  Knight of the Elephant, 5 April 1842

-1843.01.10   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Mortimer & Hunt
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : Prince Albert of England

Height (mm): 94
Width  (mm): 85
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D076x
Date       : 1843.01.10 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

From the book 'Royal Insignia - British and Foreign Orders of Chivalry from The Royal Collection' by Stephen Patterson

-1846.06.27   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : CH. VERNET
J period   : 1840-1860
Owner      : 
Awarded to : Francois Guizot

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D295x
Date       : 1846.06.27 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Jeweller: CH Vernet 1840-1860 34 Palais Royale, Paris, France

-1846.07.16   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Christiane Hielm
J period   : 1831-1855
Owner      : Livrustkammaren
Awarded to : King Karl XV Sweden/Norway

Height (mm): 112
Width  (mm): 112
Weight(gr) : 335
Tracking # : D184x
Date       : 1846.07.16 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Christiane Hielm (court bead embroiderer) Title Kraschan for Knights of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark.
Swedish: Star of silver embroidery, 40 rays, half of lan, half of sequins, medallion of red velvet, on top a cross of six silver balls and cantillions, around it a ring of gold cantillions, on top a laurel wreath of silver sequins and cantillions. The reverse covered in white leather, yellowed at the edges, almost completely obliterated ink inscription, probably: ‘C.Hjelm // Hof Perlestikkerinde // Boende wd // Philosophegangen No 25’ (cf. nos. 693, 694, 711).
Date Unknown date Medium silver - gold - hide - velvet (Colour: red, material: velvet)
Dimensions Weight: 335 g (11.82 oz) Width: 112 mm (4.40 in)
Collection Royal Armoury Blue pencil.svg wikidata:Q1636176
Accession number LRK 2197 Place of creation Denmark
Object history Sven Carlman (court jeweller, -1963) Stockholm, city, Sweden Charles XV of Sweden-Norway Source LSH 36614 (LN_E02460)

-1846.07.16   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Livrustkammaren
Awarded to : King Karl XV Sweden/Norway

Height (mm): 79
Width  (mm): 79
Weight(gr) : 54
Tracking # : D183x
Date       : 1847.07.16 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Kraschan, Order of the Elephant, Denmark, belonging to King Charles XV.
Description.
Eight-pointed, faceted silver star. Gilt medallion, edged by ring of faceted pearls. Attached to the medallion is a round plate covered with red, translucent enamel. A Latin cross, formed by six faceted beads, is attached to it. Around the plate a silver laurel wreath.
The reverse side smooth, safety pin. Date 19th century Medium silver - enamel (Colour: red, material: enamel)
Dimensions Weight: 54 g (1.90 oz) Diameter: 79 mm (3.11 in)
Collection Royal Armoury Blue pencil.svg wikidata:Q1636176
Accession number LRK 1781
Object history Charles XV of Sweden-Norway Louise of Sweden, Queen of Denmark

-1846.07.16   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Livrustkammaren
Awarded to : King Karl XV Sweden/Norway

Height (mm): 54
Width  (mm): 54
Weight(gr) : 23
Tracking # : D185x
Date       : 1847.07.16 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Miniature Star, Order of the Elephant, Denmark, belonging to King Charles XV.
Description Swedish: Eight-pointed, flinched silver star. Heavily arched medallion of gold, edged with gold leaf wreath. Attached to the medallion is a gold-edged round plate covered with red transparent enamel. Attached to it is a Latin cross formed by eleven faceted beads. Around the plate a silver laurel wreath.
The reverse side smooth, four nuts for fastening the medallion, safety pin.
Date 19th century Medium enamel (Colour: red, material: enamel) - gold - silver
Dimensions Weight: 23 g (0.81 oz) Diameter: 54 mm (2.12 in)
Collection Royal Armoury Blue pencil.svg wikidata:Q1636176
Accession number LRK 1876 Object history Louise of Sweden, Queen of Denmark State Historical Museum Charles XV of Sweden-Norway Source LSH 79263 (LN_E00945)
No hallmarks. Lars Stevnsbog figure 75.

-1847.09.27   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Nordiska Museet
Awarded to : Prince Gustav of Sweden

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D122x
Date       : 1847.09.27 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Owned by Gustav, Prince of Sweden.
Production in null, Denmark.
Use 1827-01-01 - by Gustav, Prince of Sweden.
Accession 1895-10-28 in Cologne, Germany by Hammer, Christian.
Material Enamel Silver Leather/leather/parchment Image number: 81203

-1848.06.03   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King Oscar II of Sweden/Norway

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D086x
Date       : 1848.06.03
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
King Oscar II Sweden/Norway
Fig 16 page 50 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded Knight of the Elephant, 3 June 1848

-1850  Elephant Star-

59Country  : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   :
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : 

Type.      :
Height (mm): 

Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D992x
Date       : 1850 estimated

 

 

-1850  Star-

59Country  : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   :
J period   : 
Owner      : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to : 

Type.      :
Height (mm): 300

Width  (mm): 297
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D206x
Date       : 1850 estimated

 

 

-1850   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : eMedals
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 112
Width  (mm): 112
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D155x
Date       : 1850 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

-1850   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : La Gallerie Numismatique
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 83
Width  (mm): 83
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D145x
Date       : 1850 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

Breast star of the Order, 83 mm, with smooth rays and thin, “roped” borders imitating the silver thread; red enameled centre medallion with silver latin cross within thick laurel wreath on matted ground; polished, smooth reverse, fitted with double pin of flattened section. An extremely rare star dating to the mid 19th Century of this scarcely awarded order; excellent condition. I RR!
Auctioned at LA GALERIE NUMISMATIQUE for Euro 7500 2021

-1855   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Godet Berlin
J period   : 1845-1864
Owner      : Kûnker
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D226x
Date       : 1850-60 jeweller
Knight #   : 

 

Estimated price: €2,000.00Surcharge: €3,600.00
Elephant Order [Elephant Orders]. Contemporary jeweller's production of the breast star for the order of the Godet company in Berlin, brilliant silver and reperched, medallion field finely chased gold, inner medallion field enamelled red, on pin, with two lateral fixing hooks. BWK2 167; 422.
RRR II
Since only embroidered stars were officially awarded upon admission to the Order up to 1909, the bearers were forced, if they wanted a metal specimen to use, to obtain it from a jeweler at their own expense. Danish jewelers were of course the first choice, but depending on nationality, foreign jewelers, such as here e.g. The Godet company in Berlin, for example, is able to do this. Precisely these contemporary jewelers' creations are of the greatest rarity.
 
The order seems to have its origins in a Mother of God Society founded by King Christian I around 1462 in Roskilde, which, according to Klaus H. Feder, was modeled on the Brandenburg "Society of Our Lady" (also called the Swan Order, founded in 1440 by Elector Friedrich II.) was built. He disappeared in 1536 with the introduction of the Reformation in Denmark. It was not until around 1580 that King Frederik II re-established it as the "Order of the Elephant". In 1693, King Christian V gave it its current form with new statutes. Frederik IX opened it with a royal rescript of April 9, 1958. also for women. Today, alongside the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Order of the Garter, it is considered one of the most respected of all.

-1855.08.02   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : Emperor Napoleon III of France

Height (mm): 89
Width  (mm): 89
Weight(gr) : 92
Tracking # : D126x
Date       : 1855.08.02 awarded
Knight #   : 

 

2.August1855 awarded.
Ecrins imperiaux book pages 67 og 143

-1864.04.18   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Thomas Høiland auktion
Awarded to : King Luis I of Portugal

Height (mm): 79
Width  (mm): 79
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D021x
Date       : 1864.04.18 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Bought from DK auction, Thomas Høiland item 1707
 
Verdi 1300 dkk  Bruun rasmussen 12.12.2006
 
Elephant awarded 1864.04.18

-1865.03.11   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : Louis-Napoléon, Prince Imperial 

Height (mm): 86
Width  (mm): 86
Weight(gr) : 75.5
Tracking # : D127x
Date       : 1865.03.11 awrded
Knight #   : 

 

11 mars 1865
Ecrins imperiaux book side 75
Louis-Napoléon, Prince Imperial
Son of Napoleon III

-1865.06.29   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : eMedals
Awarded to : King Carl XV Sweden/Norway

Height (mm): 50.4
Width  (mm): 50.8
Weight(gr) : 21.8
Tracking # : D134x
Date       : 1865 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

Emedals.com. Very rare small size. It is said that King Carl XV got all his order stars made in a smaller size so they would be easier and lighter to use. Carl ruled 1859-1872.  So guestimate of the date of this is 1865.
 
Denmark. An Order of the Elephant, Attributed to King Carl XV of Sweden
Star of the Order in silver, center in gold and enamels, reduced size. Privately made star, measures 50.4x50.8mm, weighs 21.8 grams. Of very fine quality manufacture, mid Nineteenth Century, nearly extremely fine condition. Attributed to King Carl XV of Sweden, 1826-1872, who was the only recipient known to wear this Order in this size. The star was in possession of "Mynthuset" in Stockholm for the first time in the early 1980s. The company and the owner had extremely good relationships with the Royal and Noble world of Sweden. The owner of Mynthuset died in the mid 1980s and the business does not exist anymore, however in their old catalogues one can see the company handled several other orders from one of the estates of Carl XV. According to the leader of Kungl. Livrustkammeret in Stockholm Carl XV had all his Stars made in this smaller size when he became older to keep the weight down. Further, if one compares it to the star pictured (page 60) in Lars Stevnsborgs recent book on Danish orders it is clear both were struck from the same die, although the center medallion differs (hand tooled) and the Star pictured in the book have an extra "diamond" and thus longer rays. However, one can see from the other types pictured it became fashion to have a more round
shaped stars during mid-1850, thus the rays were cut off and stars thus rounded. Very rare.

-1865.06.29   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Christiane Hummel
J period   : 1883-1898
Owner      :
Awarded to : Tsar Alexander III

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D068x
Date       : 1865.06.29 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Order of the Elephant, embroidered breast star of silver threads.

According to previous auction information (ABR 482, 1986) belonged to one of Czar Alexander III's uniforms. Awarded 1865.06.29

Identical to Christiane Hummel star in Stevnsborg fig 73. This was awarded in 1857.

-1865.10.13   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Prins Julius of Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Glücksborg

Height (mm): 80
Width  (mm): 81
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D097x
Date       : 1865.10.13 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
Belonged to King Christian IX's brother Prins Julius of Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Glücksborg (1824-1903)
Fig 16 page 50 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded Knight of the Elephant, 13 October 1864

-1865.11.18   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Queen Elisabeth II
Awarded to : King Edward VII

Height (mm): 86
Width  (mm): 80
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D079x
Date       : 1865.11.18 
Knight #   : 

 

From the book 'Royal Insignia - British and Foreign Orders of Chivalry from The Royal Collection' by Stephen Patterson

-1870   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : najafcoins.com
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D038x
Date       : 1870 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

Denmark Medal Order of Elephant Breast Star. Circa 1870.. From www.najafcoins.com

-1875   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      :
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 85
Width  (mm): 85
Weight(gr) : 54
Tracking # : D225x
Date       : 1865-1890 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

ORDER OF THE ELEPHANT. Grand Cross plaque,... - Lot 170 - Audap & Associés
 
Grand Cross plaque, privately made in silver, vermeil and enamel. Domed center in several parts. Suspension by tilting pin.
85mm. Gross weight: 54g.
VF to SUP.

-1878.01.08   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King Alfons XII of Spain

Height (mm): 76
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D112x
Date       : 1878.07.01 awarded
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to King Alfons XII of Spain (1857-1875-1885)
Fig 19 page 52 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded  Knight of the Elephant, 8 January 1878

-1878.07.01   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Carl Alexander of Sachsen

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D085x
Date       : 1878.07.01 awarded
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
Knight of the Elephant, 1 July 1878
Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach.(1818-1901)

Thanks to the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' it was possible to get a little bit more knowledge to this Elephant Star. Figure 10 page 47 shows the same star. It is easily identified by the small crack in the red enamel to the left of the center cross. 

It is nice to be able to shine some more light to this beautiful Star. 

-1880   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Kretly Paris
J period   : 1871-1919
Owner      :
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 87
Width  (mm): 87
Weight(gr) : 67.2
Tracking # : D187x
Date       : 1880 estimated 
Knight #   : 

 

ID 229983 Show original text Lot 430 | Denmark: elephant order, breast star, in a case. Denmark: elephant order, breast star, in a case. Silver, brilliant formatted and reperzierter body, the engraved multi-piece medallion with gold-plated base plate, the cross and the Laurel Mature elegant, enameled, and flingiertem reason, the back side Builder's plate by Kretly, Paris, on needle, two side hooks, in the red, octagonal leather case, white inner lining with a Golden Signet of Kretly, blue inner lining, with a recess for the needle system. VPI1 S. 201, BURKE, S. 301ff, 87 x 87 mm 67,2 g. Very attractive breast star of the finest Parisian production quality. Condition: I-
Source: https://veryimportantlot.com/en/lot/view/danemark-elefanten-orden-bruststern-im-etui-22998387

-1882.05.19   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King Milan I of Serbia

Height (mm): 88
Width  (mm): 87
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D117x
Date       : 1882.05.19 awarded 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to King Milan I of Serbia (1854-1882-1889-1901)
Fig 18 page 52 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded  Knight of the Elephant,

-1884   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Anton Michelsen
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King Christian IX

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D142x
Date       : 1884 special model 
Knight #   : 

 

The Danish Order of the Elephant with motto band of the British Order of the Garter, A. Michelsen, 1884, made for King Christian IX of Denmark.. Knight of the Elephant, 22 June 1843

-1884   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Michelsen
J period   : 
Owner      : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 86
Width  (mm): 86
Weight(gr) : 65.9
Tracking # : D109
Date       : 1884 model 
Knight #   : 

 

This is made by jeweller Michelsen with his hallmark AM as seen on the reverse poto.  This is the 1884 model.

-1884   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Michelsen - no hallmark
J period   : 
Owner      : eMedals
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 85
Width  (mm): 85
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D153x
Date       : 1884 model - no hallmark
Knight #   : 

 

This is also a 1884 model. It miss the AM hallmark, but it is still made by Michelsen. 

 

-1885.10.11   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : King George V of Great Britain

Height (mm): 82
Width  (mm): 82
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D143x
Date       : 1885.10.11
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to King George V of Great Britain and Northern Irelind
Fig 15 page 50 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded  Knight of the Elephant, 11 October 1885

 

-1932.03.17   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe

Height (mm): 81
Width  (mm): 82
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D102x
Date       : 1932.03.17 awarded
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
Belonged to Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe (1898-1974)
Fig 20 page 53 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded Knight of the Elephant, 17 March1932

This was awarded to Prince Christian in 1932 from the Chancery.  Probably an old piecee that was re-used once again.  It has been placed undeer year 1932, but one must assume this was made much earlier. It will be interesting if there are proof of the origin of this Elephant Star. 
The order set was return to the Chancery in 1974 after Prince Christian had passed.

 

-1950.10.09   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : Sir Winston Churchill

Height (mm): 88
Width  (mm): 88
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D148x
Date       : 1950.10.09 awarded
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera
 
Belonged to Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Fig 14 page 49 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen
Awarded  Knight of the Elephant, 09 October 1950

 

-A   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D049x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them. 

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share. 

 

-B   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D053x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them. 

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share. 

 

-C   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 71
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D104x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.
Fig 21 page 54 in 'Danske Ordensinsignier' by Rolf Christensen

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-D   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D150x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-E   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D159x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-F   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D164x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-G   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle 
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D204x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Sold at Spink Medal Auctions Winter 1990 6th December 1990. The Catalogue states it is a Michelsen star. Originally with a two prong fitting to reverse, now with a single prong. Contained in case. Asking price GBP 2000.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-H   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D208x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-I   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D209x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Photo by Jean-Luc Guitera.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-J   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      :
Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D210x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

From Carstyein Zeige Europa Preiskatalog 2005
Circular thin line around central part of the star.

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.

 

-K   Elephant Star-

Country    : Denmark
Order name : Elephant
Type/subset: Star
Jeweller   : Keibel, St Petersburg
J period   : 
Owner      :
Amalienborg Castle
Awarded to : 

Height (mm): 85
Width  (mm): 85
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : D318x
Date       : 
Knight #   : 

 

Denmark, Star in silver, makers mark Keibel, S:t Petersburg, 85 mm
Auktion 34 den 20 April 2020, 2020-04-20 11.00 am, Stockholm Sweden

This and the following Elephant Stars have not been given a year of production. Between 1808 and 1909 all people awarded this star would receive the embroidered version from the Chancery.  At the same time it was becoming more and more popular to use a metal star as  that had many benefits.  In order to get one you then needed to order one privately and also pay for it yourself. Many versions of the stars have surfaced during this period and creates a fantastic history of the order. If you read the book of Rolf Christensen 'Danske Ordensinsignier' you will se a selection of the ones that had been returned to the Chancery after the persons death.  Formally they are not required to be returned as they were private, but it clearly shows which variety that existed out there. Rolf Christensen has made a very good job of showing where the stars came from and also other information about them.

I list these as year A, B, C, etc.  If you have more information on individual variants of these please do not hesitate to share this information!  I would love to se the reverse side of these as well!  Of course height, width and weight of them are interesting. Of course other information you could share.