Sweden, Kingdom. A Cased Order of the Sword, III. Class Commander, Type II, by C.F. Carlman, c. 1918

(Kungliga Svärdsordens). Instituted February 23rd, 1748. Type II (1772-) with Ball Finials. (c. 1918). Constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a gilded Maltese Cross in saltire (X-shaped) with gilded Swedish Royal Crown in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a circular central blue enameled medallion bearing an upright gold sword between three gold crowns, the reverse bears a matching circular central blue enameled medallion with an upright gold sword intersecting a gold laurel wreath and inscribed with “Pro Patria” (For Fatherland), with a pair of crossed swords with blue enameled blades at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock arm with a single downward-pointing sword of the same style on the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock arms, surmounted by a gilded hollow Royal Crown and suspended from a swivel ring using its full-length period-original neck ribbon (missing its knot strings), unmarked, measuring 55.1 mm (w) x 81.4 mm (l), weighing 42.32 grams, with chips to the blue enamels on the swords along with a light to moderate flake in the enamels on the reverse, in very fine condition.

Accompanied by its matching presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a dark red faux leather (leatherette) exterior, the exterior of the lid is decorated along the edge with an ornate pattern in gilt, the interior of the lid is lined with padded silk and marked “C.F. Carlman, Stockholm” also in gilt, with functional dual exterior metal hinges, no fabric hinge cover, and a functional exterior metal clasp closure, measuring 90 mm (w) x 125 mm (l), the case in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry and military decoration created by King Frederick I of Sweden on February 23, 1748, together with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. It is awarded to officers, and originally intended as an award for bravery and particularly long or useful service, eventually becoming a more or less obligatory award for military officers after a certain number of years in service. There were originally three grades: Knight, Commander and Commander Grand Cross, but these were later multiplied by division into classes. The Order of the Sword in peacetime had five classes: Commander Grand Cross, I Class Commander, Commander, I Class Knight and Knight. The motto of the order is in Latin: "Pro Patria" (For Fatherland).