Denmark, Kingdom. An Order Of The Dannebrog, 1St Class Commander, By Anton Michelsen, C.1900

Christian IX (1863-1906). Badge: in silver gilt with red and white enamels, measuring 41.5 mm (w) x 80.7 mm (h), on its original full-length neck ribbon: and Breast Star: in silver with red enamels, Gold lettering on the cross, maker marked "AM" surmounted by a crown (Anton Michelsen, Copenhagen) on the reverse, measuring 59.5 mm (w) x 76 mm (h), dual prong vertical pinback. Intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, marked with a "D" surmounted by a crown on the lid, maker marked "A. MICHELSEN KØBENHAVN" on the inside lid, raised platform with recessed medal beds, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, case very fine.

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.