Cambodia, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Cambodia, Officer C.1940

(Ordre royal du Cambodge). Instituted 1864. 1934-1953 issue. Of high local manufacture, an extraordinary eight-pointed beaded star in silver gilt, the obverse centre exhibiting a very detailed Cambodian coat of arms on a deep enameled blue background, surrounded by an finely enameled red border, with plain reverse presenting maker’s cartouche of LACTINHVIEN, Hué, Cambodia, the only jeweler known in the French Indochina, with indescifrable maker’s mark on the ring, suspended by typical French crown with enameled details, measuring 48.51 mm (w) x 69.28 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), presenting toned silver oxidation, with professionally removed crown cross, on an original Cambodian-granted breast ribbon with bow and eye, very good.

Footnote: This Order was instituted by King Norodom I while under French Colonial rule. When awarded by French authorities, it was conferred upon individuals of at least 29 years of age, in recognition of exceptional civil or military merit, and for at least 3 years of service in Indochina, preferably Cambodia. France stopped granting this Order in 1948, and it continued to be awarded by the King of Cambodia.