Golden Fleece Brooch

The insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece consists of a collar from which hangs a golden ram. This animal refers to the Greek legend of the Argonauts, suggesting that the Burgundian dynasty traces its roots back to the Trojans. The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in 1430 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, to motivate knights to take part in a new crusade against the Turks. With the marriage of Charles the Bold's daughter, Mary of Burgundy, the Order left France for Austria, and was divided between the Spanish and Austrian branches of the Habsburg dynasty. It is still awarded today.
Pierre Ernest de Mansfeld was Governor of the Duchy of Luxembourg under Charles V and Philip II of Spain. In 1546, Emperor Charles V awarded him the Golden Fleece in recognition of his services in the struggle between the Habsburgs of Spain and the Valois of France for hegemony in Europe.