Latvia, Republic. A Cased Order of Three Stars, IV. Class, c. 1938

(Triju Zvaigznu Ordenis). Instituted March 11th, 1924. A Maltese cross constructed of silver gilt with ball finials and a cluster of rays in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central medallion with three stars on a blue enamelled field and surrounded by an ornate border, the reverse with a central medallion in gilt inscribed with “Per Aspera Ad Astra Latvijas Republika 1918 18 Novembris”, suspended from a gilded oval oak wreath suspension and its period original ribbon featuring a modern replacement safety pin for attachment to a uniform, marked “875” along with a leftward facing head and “FM”, measuring 38.3 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (l), weighing 30.44 grams. 

Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a lightly textured blue faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid with the Coat of Arms of Latvia embossed in silver, the interior of the lid with padded silk, with a dual exterior metal hinge (one hinge missing its thru-pin), intact interior fabric hinge cover, and functional exterior metal clasp, with a recessed medal bed for plush seating of the award, measuring 80 mm (w) x 143 mm (l).

A fine grouping of an Order of Three Stars IV. Class and its presentation case of issue, the cross with some of its original gilt finish coming off due to age and wear, in overall better than very fine condition. 

Footnote: This Order is the highest national decoration conferred to recognize civil merit. It was founded by the Latvian parliament as an award for outstanding civil merit and to commemorate the founding of Latvia. The Order was conferred upon all Latvian military personnel who had voluntarily joined the Latvian Armed Forces and participated in battles.