Latvia. An Order of the Three Stars, Prototype Cross, c.1920

(Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis). Instituted 1924. The only known prototype of the order, presenting a white enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, elongated smooth rays between each arm, the reverse of the cross features silver gilt arms with “blanc” hand scratched into each arm, the obverse medallion is a blue enamelled disc with three central five point stars encircled by a gilt band with triangular patterns, the reverse medallion is in silver bearing the engraving ECHANTILL NO 1 M. DELANDE, the cross is surmounted by a wreath and integral suspension ring, the ring is marked with an M [insect] D maker mark M. Delande and boars head denoting silver fineness of 800, the cross measures 37.88 mm (w) x 59.82 mm (h), weighs 17.04 grams, light wear, extremely rare, extremely fine.

Footnote: This Order is the highest national decoration conferred to recognize civil merit. It was founded by the Latvian parliament as an award for outstanding civil merit and to commemorate the founding of Latvia.The Order was conferred upon all Latvian military personnel who had voluntarily joined the Latvian Armed Forces and participated in battles.Although this Order was suppressed in 1940 with the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union, it was re-established in 1994 after Latvia regained independence.The Order continues to be awarded to Latvians and foreigners who provide meritorious service to Latvia.