Order of Vasa, I Class Knight

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.SWE.0104.107.01.000

Estimated market value:

$725+ USD

Estimated market value:

$725+ USD

Attributes

Country

Sweden
Makers

C. F. Carlman, Stockholm; Jacob Hjortzberg, Stockholm; Isak Malmborg, Stockholm; Johan Adam Marklien, Stockholm; Otto Willkommen, Stockholm; Carl Zetterstrom, Stockholm
Composition

Gold/Enamelled
Inscription

Obv: GUSTAF DEN TREDIE INSTIKTARE MDCCLXXII Rev: GUSTAF DEN TREDIE INSTIKTARE MDCCLXXII
Version Remarks

The I Class Knight (1772-1860) image is attributed to Wikipedia and Daderot (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Order_of_Vasa,_Sweden,_knight%27s_badge,_pre-1860_-_National_Museum_of_Finland_-_DDSC04155.JPG) and is used under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

History

This Order was founded by King Gustav III on May 29, 1772 as an award to recognize services rendered to the state that did not merit the Order of the Seraphim or the Order of the Northern Star. It has not been conferred since 1975.

It was conferred upon Swedish citizens, regardless of rank or birth, in recognition of achievements and meritorious service in agriculture, trade, mining, manufacturing, publishing, and the arts.

At the time of its creation, the Order was only composed of three grades. The Commander was divided into two grades in 1873 and the Knight was divided into two grades in 1889.

The inscription on the obverse and reverse medallions translates to “Instituted by Gustav III, 1772.”

There have been many different manufacturers of this Order, and as a result, there are multiple versions which vary in size, composition, inscription and design.