Order of the Romanian Crown, Type II, Civil Division, Grand Cross Breast Star
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.ROM.0107.302.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Multi-piece construction, silver gilt with red and white enamelled insignia, mounted to a silver eight-pointed star base, maker marked "BIJUTERIA WEISS BUCHAREST" on the reverse cartouche, maker marked "BW" (Bijuteria Weiss Bucharest) flanked by "35" on the left and "39" on the right, along with being silver hallmarked with a crown over an "L" (assay office of the Province of Muntenia) within a swelled triangle with two niches at its upper left (indicating "900" silver, this type of hallmark used between 1937 and 1949) on the pin, 76x76mm, vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.
The Order of the Romanian Crown was established by King Carol I in 1881 on the same day as his coronation. It was conferred upon Romanian citizens and foreigners in recognition of special merit. Beginning in 1938, the Order was awarded in civilian and military divisions, and in 1939 a grade was added for women. It could also be awarded with swords in recognition of wartime merit from 1916-1947. The Order was permanently suppressed in 1947 following the abolition of the Romanian monarchy. Today it exists as a dynastic order that is only awarded by the House of Hohenzollern.
There are two models of the Grand Cross Breast Star. The first features a crown on the obverse while the second features the royal cypher of King Carol II. The second model was awarded in three divisions that differ in design. The Grand Cross Breast Star (Military Division, peacetime, 1938-1947) features a surmounting crown and the Grand Cross Breast Star (Military Division, wartime, 1938-1947) features a surmounting crown with crossed swords. All versions have an obverse inscription that translates to "By Ourselves."
There may be additional versions of the Grand Cross Breast Star that differ in size or composition due to a variety of manufacturers.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
Scroll Top