Germany, Wehrmacht. An Azad Hind Order II Class with Swords & Case by Rudolf Souval, c. 1943

(Sher e Hind). Instituted in 1942. Constructed of silvered and gilded tombac, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star with gilded crossed swords, bearing a central gilt tiger’s head circumscribed by the inscription “Azad Hind” in capitalized lettering with laurel leaves at the top and bottom of the inscription, the reverse plain, marked “Rudolf Souval, Wien” on the reverse, on a swivel ring for suspension from its period original ribbon, measuring 60.3 mm (w) x 60.2 mm (l), weighing 36.76 grams, in near mint condition.

Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a light brown faux leather (leatherette) exterior, the exterior of the lid embossed with a leftward facing tiger head and crossed swords, with a functional exterior metal hinge, intact fabric interior hinge cover, and broken exterior metal clasp, the interior marked “Rudolf Souval, Wien, VII”, measuring 78 mm (w) x 138 mm (l). The case is in near extremely fine condition.