Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of The Iron Trefoil, I Class

(Red Željeznog Trolista). Instituted in 1941. Three-piece construction, cross in black lacquered non-magnetic metal alloy, silvered centrepiece with red and blue enamels, unmarked but of typical B. Knaus of Zagreb manufacture, measuring 49.5 mm (w) x 50.5 mm (h), intact enamels, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Iron Trefoil, also known as the Croatian Cross, was the highest military decoration of the Independent State of Croatia, and it was awarded for "acts of war, achieved by personal incentive, for efforts and good leadership in ventures, which had remarkable success against the enemy." The Order had four classes: the 1st Class is worn on a ribbon around the neck, 2nd Class without the ribbon on the left chest, 3rd Class on ribbon on buttonhole, and the 4th Class on triangular ribbon on left chest. For exceptional merits the Order was awarded with Oak Leaves. The recipients of the 1st and 2nd Class had the right to the title "Vitez" (Knight).