Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order of Orange Nassau, Grand Cross Set

(Ordre van Oranje-Nassau).Instituted April 4, 1892. Civil Division. A beautiful Grand Cross Set, the badge, in silver gilt a blue and white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, segments of wreath in each quadrant, the obverse medallion featuring a crowned rampant lion, surrounded a white enamel ring inscribed JE MAINTIENDRAI, the reverse medallion featuring a crowned W monogram (denoting Queen Wilhelmina), surrounded by a white enamel ring inscribed GOD ZY MET ONS, the badge is surmounted by a large crown with suspension ring, measures 55.36 mm (w) x 86.38 mm (h - inclusive of surmounting crown), weighs 52.82 grams, accompanied by a full length sash in yellow, white and blue silk (missing thin ribbon for sash attachment), enamels intact, areas of gilt wear, dark patina, loss of enamels to band of crown on reverse, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight point silver star with clusters of smooth rays, the obverse medallion featuring the rampant crowned lion with sword on a blue field, encircled by a white ring inscribed JE MAINTIENDRAI, the reverse with a vertical pin assembly flanked by dual stays, the reverse cartouche marked ‘sRIJKSMUNT UTRECHT, measures 82.30 mm (w) x 84.35 mm (h), 66.94 grams, one ray bent at 3 o’clock, dark patina, enamels intact, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.