Greece, Hellenic Republic. A Rare Order Of Beneficence, I Class Grand Cross Star, C.1950

(Τάγμα της Ευποιΐας). Instituted in 1948. Multi-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with white enamels and featuring a hand-painted centrepiece illustrating the Madonna and Child, inscribed "ΕΥΠΟΙΪΑ" above, the insignia mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, manufactured by Spink & Sons of London, hallmarked with a swan representing a French import mark on the pin, maker marked "SPINK & SONS Ltd LONDON" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 79.5 mm (w) x 79 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, very light contact, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Beneficence is an order of Greece that was established in 1948. It is conferred by the Greek government as a moral reward for women especially, Greek and foreign, for the good services they have rendered to the Fatherland in the field of charity as well as for their performance in the arts and letters. The fact that the order is awarded to women does not mean that the other Greek decorations are awarded exclusively to men. The Order has five classes: Grand Cross - wears the badge on a sash from the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest; Grand Commander - wears the badge on a bow, plus the star on the right chest; Commander - wears the badge on a bow; Gold Cross - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest; and Silver Cross - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.