This item is part of A Lifelong Collection Dedicated to the Wartime Awards & Decorations of the Independent State of Croatia. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. In silver with red enamels, mounted to a frosted silver star base, maker marked "BK" (Braća Knaus, Zagreb) and hallmarked with a lobster flanked by the Roman numeral "III" and a "1" on the pin, measuring 74.5 mm (w) x 75.3 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.