Sweden, Kingdom. An Order Of The Sword, I Class Knight In Gold, C.1850

(Kungliga Svärdsordens). Instituted in 1749. Type II (1772-1975). In 18K Gold with blue, red, white and green enamels, weighing 16.9 grams inclusive of its ribbon, unmarked, measuring 36 mm (w) x 57 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, crazing and fine chipping evident in the white enamels on the arm at 7 o'clock on the obverse, crazing in the white enamels on the arms at 1 and 7 o'clock on the reverse, chipping in the red enamels on the central jewels on the Gold crowns at 6 and 9 o'clock on the obverse, chipping present in the white enamelled jewels on the obverse of the crown suspension, the enamels on both centrepieces intact, original ribbon, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry 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 was originally intended as an award for bravery and particularly long or useful service, but eventually became 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: Commander Grand Cross, Commander 1st Class, Commander, Knight 1st Class and Knight. The order also encompasses two medals: Badge of the Sword (reserved for Non-commissioned officers) and Medal of the Sword (reserved for Underbefäl, lower commanders of the ranks of Corporal to Sergeant).