The orders and medals of the Kingdom of Hawaii are emblematic representations of the noble traditions of the Hawaiian people. Typically of French manufacture, Hawaiian awards display profound symbolism and stand as a testament to the island kingdom's deep reverence for honor, bravery, and merit. Each decoration tells a story, weaving together the islands' natural beauty and ancient Hawaiian mythology. Through these orders and medals, the Kingdom of Hawaii celebrated the essence of aloha; a spirit of love, harmony, and respect and honoring those whose deeds exemplified the very core of this cherished cultural ethos. The Royal Order of Kalākaua I, established 28 September 1874, epitomizes both the craftsmanship and quality of Hawaiian awards as well as a deep rooted sense of national identity. Bestowed a total of 95 times between 1874 and 1892, the commander grade of Kalākaua is a scarce and beautifully executed award. Featuring a stylized Maltese cross with Prussian blue detailing, the order presents the iconic Hawaiian crown and the unique pūloʻuloʻu (kapu sticks - ball and stick insignia).
eMedals was pleased to offer to auction, an Order of Kalakaua I, Commander in Gold in October of 2023. An astonishing 147 bids were placed on the decoration, hammering for $14,201 USD.
In Gold, a beautiful and rare Commander cross featuring a blue enamel maltese cross with a white enamel border, Gold wreath segments supported by a pulo’ulo’u in each quadrant, topped by a delicately detailed surmounting crown, obverse center depicts a circular shield of blue enamel with a yellow and red enamelled kahili (a symbol of the aliʻi chiefs and families of the Hawaiian Islands), surrounded by a white enamel ring with KALAKAUA FEBRUARY 12TH 1874 in gold script, the reverse center bears a shield of blue enamel with 1874 and KEOLA (Eternal Life) in the surrounding white enamel ring, measuring 54.6 mm (w) x 82.6 mm (h - inclusive of cross adorned integral ball), weighs 41.2 grams (including ribbon), worn on a full length original blue and white silk striped neck ribbon, several arches of the crown have been bent inwards forcing the small central crosses into the interior, enamels are in pristine condition barring two small crazing lines on the 9 and 6 o’clock arms, a top choice decoration which seldom comes to market, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by its case of issue, a red leatherette exterior, with interior silk lid marked KRETLY, the base with a recessed medalbed, the case measures 83 mm (w) x 150 mm (l) x 25 mm (d), the lid is completely detached from the base via the back panel above the hinge, hinge still functional, an original and aged case in fine condition.
