Romania, Kingdom. An Order Of The Star, Civil Division, Grand Cross, By J. Resch, C. 1940

(Ordinul Steaua României). Instituted on 10 May 18778 by Prince Carol I. Type II. (1932-1947 Issue). Civil Division. A large hollow sash badge in silver gilt, consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with an eagle in each quadrant, gilded obverse centre featuring the cypher of Carlo I on a red enamelled background, surrounded by an enamelled blue border inscribed by IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green laurel wreath, reverse presents 1877 inscribed on red enamelled background, surrounded by a laurel wreath with green enamels, surmounted by a large gilded Royal Crown, maker mark on bottom of six o’clock cross arm for RESCH, hallmarked on cross of the surmounting crown with a French swan (punch mark denoting pieces made from silver, imported from countries without trading contract to France, since 1893), measuring 76.02mm (w) x 114.33mm (h - inclusive of crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), weighing 81.8 grams, very minor loss of enamel to reverse green wreath, gilt well preserved, extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight point silver star with clusters of faceted rays, superimposed on obverse center presents a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with an eagle in each quadrant, with a gilded obverse centre featuring the cypher of Carol I on a red enameled background, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green laurel wreath, reverse centre presents a principle pin assembly, maker marked with cartouche of Joseph Resch & Fils, Bucharest and ARG on pin, hallmarked on the pin and catch with a French swan (punch mark denoting pieces made from silver, imported from countries without trading contract to France, since 1893), measures 95.12mm (w) x 95.80mm (h), weighs 87.1 grams, enamels intact, nice patina, extremely fine condition.

The set is contained in an original hardshell case of issue, composed of wood and maroon leatherette, exterior lid is stamped with the cypher and inscribed MARE CRUCE STEAUA ROMANIEI CIVIL, with two clasps on the front, the interior is composed a grey velvet medalbed with inserts for the decorations, and space below for the sash, the silk lid is marked Joseph Resch Fii Bucuresti, measures 120mm (w) x 292mm (l) x 49mm (d), edges damaged, hinge functional, one clasp bent and one functional, better than fine condition. Accompanied by a grand cross sash of red and white watered silk, creased, in very fine condition.

Footnote: Prior to the establishment of the Order of the Star of Romania in 1877, another order had been envisioned in 1863 under the rule of Alexander Ioan Cuza. Cuza did not, however, officially institute the order before he was deposed by a coup in 1866. The awards that had been conferred were considered to be personal gifts and never state decorations. The Order of the Star of Romania was established by Prince Carol I, the future King Carol I, in 1877 in the first official act of the sovereign nation of Romania. The Order was later suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 1998 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently conferred upon Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service to Romania. It had also been awarded to foreign military personnel in the First and Second World War.