Norway, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Saint Olaf, Grand Cross, By J. Tostrup, Oslo, C.1850

(Den Kongelige Norske Sankt Olavs Orden). Instituted in 1847. Type I. Sash Badge: in 18K Gold with red, white and blue enamels, maker marked "J.T." (J. Tostrup, Oslo) and marked "750" (18K Gold) on the loop, measuring 59.5 mm (w) x 82.7 mm (h), crazing evident in the white enamels on the beads butting the voided areas at the base of the crown on the reverse, on its original full-length sash incorporating a decorative moiré pattern; and Breast Star: insignia in 18K Gold with red, white and blue enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, measuring 75.3 mm (w) x 75.3 mm (h), vertical pinback, tiny imperfections in the white enamels in the arm at 12 o'clock. Of excellent quality manufacture and in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav is a Norwegian order of chivalry instituted by King Oscar I on August 21, 1847. It is named after King Olav II, known to posterity as St. Olav. Just before the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905, the Order of the Norwegian Lion was instituted in 1904 by King Oscar II, but no appointments were awarded by his successor, King Haakon VII. The Order of St. Olav thus became the kingdom's only order of chivalry for the next eighty years. The Grand Master of the order is the reigning monarch of Norway. It is used to reward individuals for remarkable accomplishments on behalf of the country and humanity. Since 1985, appointments to the order has only been conferred upon Norwegian citizens, though foreign heads of state and royalty may be appointed as a matter of courtesy.