Romania, Kingdom. An Order Of Michael The Brave, I Class With Swords, By C. F. Zimmermann, C.1944

(Ordinul Mihai Viteazul). Instituted during the First World War in 1916 by King Ferdinand I to reward leadership and gallantry in the field of battle. Type IV, with swords. Post Second World War period (1944-1947 issued). Constructed of silver gilt, a unique and highly desirable Romanian military award consisting of an enameled light-blue Lily Cross with thin golden edges, symbolizing purity in intentions and actions in the battle field, exhibiting gilded crossed swords in each quadrant (distinguishing awards granted to the Axis Powers members), with obverse displaying a gilded etched monogram of King Michael I, the last Romanian King until his abdication in 1947, the reverse with vertical pin assembly and catch, marked by maker’s mark of C. F. Zimmermann, German firm specialized in the insignia of the Romanian Orders from 1930, together with a German silver hallmark and numbers "9" "44", probably denoting date of bestowal, measuring 60.19 mm (w) x 60.02 mm (h), presenting light contact and minor gilt loss, a historical piece in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Michael the Brave was established by King Ferdinand I in 26 September 1916, designed by the King himself. It was founded with three classes, that were awarded exclusively during time of war. It was the highest Order of military merit in the Kingdom of Romania during its lifespan; the Order was active between 1916 and 1947, and the I Class was granted in 1588 occasions in total. An Order of Michael the Brave with different design was finally restored in three classes in 2000, when the communist regime downfall. Michael the Brave (1558-1601) united three principalities, Wallachia, Transylvania and Moldavia under a single rule during the sixteenth century. He was considered to be one of Romania’s greatest heros and a focal point for Romanian nationalism during WWI and WWII.