Germany. A National Order For Art & Science, In Diamonds & Platinum, By W. Hülse, C.1937

(Der Deutscher Nationalorden für Kunst und Wissenschaft). The breast star of multi piece construction, constructed of polished PLATINUM, with four 20mm x 22mm 18Kt GOLD eagles soldered diagonaly on top. The center medallion consist of on red- enameled background, with superimposed on top the left-facing head of Pallas Athena, also in 18Kt. GOLD. The motto bears the hand-crafted and polished surrounding inscription, on ivory-colored enameled background: " FÜR * KUNST * UND * WISSENSCHAFT " and is surrounded by a medallion ring set with 40 x 0.25 round cut genuine DIAMONDS (total weight of 10.0 carats), of typical round brilliant cut of 1930's period, and of fine quality. In order to give light to the diamonds, the medallion ring is segmented open to the reverse of the star. The star measures 95.75mm (width) x 94.85mm (height), and weighs 210.0 grams. The star is mint condition.

Footnote: The pin on reverse is engraved "Juwelier Hülse Berlin W 8" (the jeweler Wilhelm Hülse was entrusted with the production of these stars, in Berlin). The appointment of the relatively unknown jeweler was made either by Goebbels himself or by one of his offices. The total number of National Prizes awarded between 1937 and 1939 was nine, thus making it one of the rarest awards given in the Third Reich, even rarer than the German Order. Due to the outbreak of the Second World War, no further awards were made.

Provenance: This star was initially purchased from an US Army Major by Mr. James Risk (a New York native and very well known collector of high end military decorations); subsequently in 1969 Mr. Risk sold the star to the present owner. Provenance and written guarantee will be provided to the buyer.