Netherlands, Kingdom. A Military Order Of William, Miniature, C.1875

(Militaire Willems-Orde). Instituted in 1815. In silver with green and white enamels, French hallmarked with a sword indicating .835 silver fineness on the ring, measuring 14.7 mm (w) x 25.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping and loss evident in the green enamels throughout on both sides, missing its reverse centrepiece, near fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of William is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Order is named after St. William of Gellone (755-814), the first Prince of Orange. The Order's motto is "Voor Moed, Beleid en Trouw" (For Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty). The chivalric order was established on April 30, 1815 by King William I and was presented for feats of excellent bravery on the battlefield and as a meritorious decoration to senior military officers. It is a chivalry order of merit open to everyone regardless of rank and nobility, and not only to Dutch military but also foreigners. To date membership of the Order is extremely rarely awarded and only for excellent bravery in battle. In the spring of 1940 it was decided that civilians would receive the Military Order of William for heroic acts in the resistance. After the liberation of the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies, several men and one woman from the resistance were awarded the Military Order of William.