Hawaii, Kingdom. An Order of Kalakaua I, Commander Cross in Gold, by Kretly, c.1880

Kalākaua I e Hookanaka). Instituted 1875 by King Kalakaua. Manufactured in Paris by Kretly, the primary contractor of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. In Gold, a beautiful and rare Commander cross featuring a blue enamel maltese cross with a white enamel border, Gold wreath segments supported by a pulo’ulo’u in each quadrant, topped by a delicately detailed surmounting crown, obverse center depicts a circular shield of blue enamel with a yellow and red enamelled kahili (a symbol of the aliʻi chiefs and families of the Hawaiian Islands), surrounded by a white enamel ring with KALAKAUA FEBRUARY 12TH 1874 in gold script, the reverse center bears a shield of blue enamel with 1874 and KEOLA (Eternal Life) in the surrounding white enamel ring, measuring 54.6 mm (w) x 82.6 mm (h - inclusive of cross adorned integral ball), weighs 41.2 grams (including ribbon), worn on a full length original blue and white silk striped neck ribbon, several arches of the crown have been bent inwards forcing the small central crosses into the interior, enamels are in pristine condition barring two small crazing lines on the 9 and 6 o’clock arms, a top choice decoration which seldom comes to market, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by its case of issue, a red leatherette exterior, with interior silk lid marked KRETLY, the base with a recessed medalbed, the case measures 83 mm (w) x 150 mm (l) x 25 mm (d), the lid is completely detached from the base via the back panel above the hinge, hinge still functional, an original and aged case in fine condition. 

Footnote: The Royal Order of Kalakaua I was implemented by King Kalakaua I on September 28, 1875 to commemorate his election to the throne on February 21, 1874. There are four classes, Knights Grand Cross, Knights Grand Officer, Knights Commander and Knights Companion, bestowed upon both subjects and foreigners. This Order was awarded to individuals for distinguished service to the state and sovereign, and was bestowed a total of 239 times by King Kalakaua and 15 times by Queen Liliu’olani. A Grand Council of all active conferred individuals in the Kingdom could be called for a general meeting on February 12, each year. The Order was last awarded in 1892 and became obsolete in 1893. The Knights Commander’s insignia is identical to the Kings Grand Officer, but is worn on a blue and white neck ribbon. While 95 Commander Crosses were awarded, one commission was cancelled on September 11, 1885 and the insignia was returned. Therefore, the Knights Commander was conferred on 94 individuals. Subjects were limited to 30, and paid an admittance fee of $100.