Denmark, Kingdom. An Order of Dannebrog, I Class Commander Star in Gold, c.1830

(Dannebrogordenen). Instituted in 1671. Of multi-piece construction, a central silver cross with scaled design, framed in a 21K Gold and red enamelled border, with Gold lettering and crown on the obverse, the reverse offering a dual pinch pin with curled catch at 6 o’clock, base with multiple rivets to secure the cross and obverse lettering, measures 65.8 mm (w) x 81.3 mm (h), weighs 58.6 grams, wear to silver on the 6 o’clock arm, enamels intact, a lovely cross of high quality manufacture in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of the Dannebrog is a Danish order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V. Until 1808, membership in the order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank who formed a single class known as White Knights, to distinguish them from the Blue Knights who were members of the Order of the Elephant. In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes. The Grand Commander class is reserved to persons of princely origin. It is only awarded to royalty with close family ties with the Danish Royal House. The statute of the Order was amended in 1951 by a Royal Ordinance so that both men and women could be members of the Order. Today, the Order of the Dannebrog is a means of honouring and rewarding the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life or for those working for Danish interests.