Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order Of Orange-Nassau, Civil Division, Silver Grade Medal, C.1960

(Ordre van Oranje-Nassau). Instituted in 1892. In silver, measuring 27 mm (w) x 48 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, very light contact, original ribbon with safety pin attachment, near extremely fine. In its case of issue, navy blue pebbled exterior, inscribed "KANSELARIJ DER NEDERLANDSE ORDEN" (The Chancery of the Dutch Orders) on the lid, recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, measuring 60 mm (w) x 122 mm (h) x 13 mm (d), wear spots evident on the exterior corners on the lid, case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Orange-Nassau is a civil and military Dutch order of chivalry founded on April 4, 1892 by the Queen regent Emma, acting on behalf of her under-age daughter Queen Wilhelmina. The order is a chivalric order open to "everyone who has earned special merits for society". These are people who deserve appreciation and recognition from society for the special way in which they have carried out their activities. The lower grades of the order are comparable with the ranks of the Order of the British Empire in the United Kingdom, but titles, prefixes or post-nominals (other than academic ones) are not used in the Netherlands (the only exception being for members of the Military William Order).