Romania, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Romania, Commander, c.1940

(Ordinul Coroana României). Instituted in 1881. Type IIb (1938-1947 Issue). In silver gilt, a Maltese Cross with red and white enameled arms, swords and crown in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse bearing the royal Romanian crown on a red enameled field, surrounded by a white enameled ring inscribed with “Prin Noi Insine 14. Martie 1881”, the reverse bearing the date “10. Maiu”, surrounded by a white enameled ring inscribed with the dates “1866, 1877, and 1881”, inclusive of gilt crown suspension 73.1 mm (h) x 48.3 mm (w), on original neck ribbon, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition. In its hard-shelled case of issue, white satin lined on the inside lid, blue velvet medal bed, wear and scuffing on the exterior, Royal monogram on exterior lid, fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Romania was instituted on 14 March 1881 by King Carol I of Romania to commemorate the establishment of the Kingdom of Romania. It was awarded as a state order until the end of the Romanian monarchy in 1947. This issue was awarded during the Second World War for military service.