Romania, Kingdom. An Order Of The Star, Grand Officer’s Set, By Heinrich Weiss, C. 1940

(Ordinul Steaua Romaniei). Instituted on May 10 1877 by Prince Carol I. Type II (1932-1947). Civil Division. A Grand Officer’s set consisting of a silver gilt cross badge featuring a blue enamelled cross with an eagle with outspread wings in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents the cypher of Carol I on a red enamelled field, surrounded by a blue ring inscribed IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green enamelled laurel wreath, the reverse medallion presents the year 1877 on the red enamelled field, surmounted by a large crown, measuring 51.50mm (w) x 75.30mm (h – inclusive of attached crown), weighs 43.6 grams (including ribbon), marked on ring with HW maker mark for Heinrich Weiss, and a Romanian silver mark denoting 800/1000 purity up to 1937, worn on the original neck ribbon, enamel damage to obverse medallion, light scratches, in overall very fine condition. The Grand Officer’s star consists of an eight point star with clusters of four faceted rays, the obverse medallion presents the cypher of Carol I on a red enamelled field, surrounded by a blue ring inscribed IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green enamelled laurel wreath, surrounding the medallion are four silver eagles with wingtips touching, the 800/100 Romanian crown silver quality mark present on the last facet of the 9 o’clock arm, the reverse presents a single pin and catch, medallion depicts a maker cartouche HEINRICH WEISS BUCAREST, the pin is marked 174, the HW maker mark, and Romanian crown silver quality, measures 67.70mm(w) x 66.65mm (h), weighs 33.9 grams, almost no green enamel in the wreath, the tip of the 5 o’clock tip has been replaced, lovely patina, in near very fine condition.

Footnote: 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.