Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class Neck Badge For Moslem Men, C.1942

(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Three-piece construction, in silver with red enamels, in the shape of a lily, as issued to Moslem recipients (of Bosnia Herzegovina), unmarked but of typical Braća Knaus of Zagreb manufacture, measuring 41.3 mm (w) x 56.5 mm (h), on its original full-length ribbon, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Croatian Order of Merit, instituted in 1942, exhibits some unique features amongst Second War period awards, most notably, there are two versions: for Christian and Moslem recipients; as well, awards issued to men and women differ in some classes (in appearance and method of wear). As Bosnia and Herzegovina was incorporated into the Independent State of Croatia in 1941, with a sizable Moslem population, Moslem traditions, military contingent and influence, it must have become apparent to a Croatian leadership that awarding insignia featuring a cross to Moslems is not an option. Therefore, a decision must have been made by a Croatian leadership to design and produce a distinctively Moslem version of the Order of Merit. No Statutes (or amendments of the Statutes) outline this decision, however, the Circulars of "the Miniatures of the Croatian National Awards" from October 10, 1943, do describe and illustrate two distinct versions of the Order of Merit, for Christians "in the form of the cross of Prince Višeslav", and for the Moslems "in the form of the Bosnian lily". The only known manufacturer of this award (both versions) was Zagreb's foundry Braća Knaus. While the Christian version is not common, the Moslem version of the Merit Order is extremely rare in all classes.