Croatia, Independent State. A Rare and Mint Order of the Iron Trefoil, I Class Cross, by Braća Knaus

Instituted 27 December 1941. (1941-1945 issue). Constructed of a black lacquered non-magnetic metal alloy, consisting of a Trefoil Cross (also known as a Croatian Cross), the obverse overlaid by a central black medallion bearing a Croatian red and white (substituted with silver) national emblem defaced by a Ustaše logo, with silvered trefoil braids extending from the centre across all four arms, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “ZA DOM SPREMNI” (“FOR THE HOMELAND - READY”), surrounded by a date of “10. IV. 1941” (the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia), the twelve o’clock arm topped by a bar retaining a circular suspension ring which connects to a period original full length of confectioned neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Braća Knaus, Zagreb, measuring 49.85 mm (w) x 51.03 mm (h), weighing 28.5 grams, an exceptionally rare example in near mint condition.

Footnote: While information varies, it is estimated that the I Class distinction of the Order of the Iron Trefoil was awarded no more than seven times between 1941 and 1945.