Greece, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of George I, Bronze Merit Cross, C.1945

(Basilikon tagma toy Georgioy A). Instituted in 1915. In bronze, measuring 35.2 mm (w) x 59.7 mm (h), spotting, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.,

Footnote: The Royal Order of George I was founded on January 16, 1915 by King Constantine I in honour of his father, George I. It was only the second Greek order to be created after the Order of the Redeemer in 1833, and remained the second senior award of the Greek state for the duration of its existence. It was awarded to those who had distinguished themselves for the cause of the nation. The order was closely associated with the Greek monarchy, and was hence abolished with the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic in 1924, to be replaced with the Order of the Phoenix. The order was restored along with the monarchy in 1935, and continued to be awarded until the final abolition of the monarchy in 1973. It was replaced by the Third Hellenic Republic in 1975 by the Order of Honour. The Order has five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Gold Cross and Silver Cross. A sixth, supreme class comprising a Collar of the order was originally envisaged, but never realized.