Laos, Kingdom. An Order Of The Reign Of Savang Vatthana, III Class Bronze Grade

(ຄໍາສັ່ງຂອງຣາຊອານາຈັກລາວ ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ / khoasangkhongrasoanachaklav savannakhed). Instituted in 1923. Type III (1959-1975). In bronze gilt, obverse illustrating the left-facing bust of King Savang Vatthana, surrounded by the inscription "S.M. BOROMA SETHA KATYA SOURYAVONGSA PHRA MAHA SRI SAVANG VATTHANA / ROI DU LAOS" and engraver marked "DELANNOY", reverse illustrating the Royal Lao coat-of-arms bearing the three headed elephant under the royal umbrellas, surrounded by the inscription "SOMDET PHRA CHAO LANE SANG HOM KHAO PHRA RAJA-ANACHAK LAO", measuring 33 mm (w) x 65.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, scattered gilt wear and spotting, very light contact, original ribbon, better than very fine.

Footnotes:

1. The Order of the Reign (AKA Medal of the Reign, the King's Medal for Exceptional Merit and the Order of Luang Prabang) was instituted on February 2, 1923, revised on February 7, 1927 and revised again on September 30, 1948. It was conferred upon civil and military officers in recognition of long, meritorious service to the Crown, in three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Three versions were issued: Type I with Sisavang Vong as King of Luang Prabang: Type II with Sisavang Vong as King of Laos; and Type III with Sisavang Vatthana (AKA Savang Vatthana) as King of Laos.

2. Sisavang Vatthana (AKA Savang Vatthana (November 13, 1907 - May 13, 1978) was the last king of the Kingdom of Laos and the 6th Prime Minister of Laos serving from October 29 to November 21, 1951. He ruled from 1959 after his father's death until his forced abdication in 1975. His rule ended with the takeover by the Pathet Lao in 1975, after which he and his family were sent to a "re-education camp" by the new government and he died in a Communist internment camp in 1978.