Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Division Grand Officer in Gold, by M.J. Goudsmit, c.1935

(Ordre van Oranje-Nassau). Instituted April 4th, 1892. An fine quality manufacture and extremely well preserved example of this Order, consisting of:

1. The neck badge. In 18kt Yellow Gold, Consisting of a Maltese Cross in Gold with white and blue enamels and ball finials, with a laurel wreath in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse center medallion with a crowned Dutch Lion in Gold on a background of blue enamels with a Golden “traveling”  pattern, surrounded by a white enameled ring with the motto “Je Maintiendrai” (I Will Maintain) in capitalized lettering, the reverse center medallion with a stylized and crowned “W” for Queen Wilhelmina, surrounded by a white enameled ring with the words “God Zy Met Ons” (God is with us), surmounted by a large hollow Royal Crown with a horizontally pierced ball and swivel ring suspension from its period-original and full-length neck ribbon, marked “M.J.G” on the ring for manufacture by “M.J. Goudsmit, La Haye”, measuring 55.1 mm (w) x 85.1 mm (l), weighing 31.10 grams.

2. The breast star. In 18kt Yellow Gold and silver, consisting of a four-armed star consisting of rays with a central medallion bearing a crowned Dutch Lion in Gold on a background of blue enamels with a Golden “traveling”  pattern, surrounded by a white enameled ring with the motto “Je Maintiendrai” (I Will Maintain) in capitalized lettering, the reverse plain, with a raised barrel hinge, vertical pinback, and rightward-opening broad wire catch with two downward-sloping stabilizer bars, maker marked “M.J. Goudsmit, La Haye” and date marked “V” for manufacture in 1930, measuring 85.2 mm (w) x 85.4 mm (l), weighing 46.26 grams.

3. Presentation Case. Constructed of a lightweight wooden core, with a khaki-coloured lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) exterior, the exterior of the lid embossed with the Coat of Arms of the Netherlands in gilt, the interior of the lid lined in dark blue silk fabric embossed “M.J. Goudsmit, La Haye”, with functional exterior dual hinges, intact fabric interior hinge cover, and jammed exterior push-button closure, the base of the case with a recessed felted medal bed for plush seating of the awards, measuring 268 mm (w) x 148 mm (l).

A fine jeweler quality and extremely well preserved example of this Order, in mint condition. 

Footnote: The Order of Orange-Nassau is a civil and military Dutch order of chivalry founded on 4 April 1892 by the queen regent, Emma of the Netherlands. During World War II, the Order of Orange-Nassau was bestowed upon both members of the Netherlands military and members of foreign services who had helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi German occupation, and those who helped liberate the former Dutch colonies in the Pacific. In the modern age, the Orange-Nassau is still the most active civil and military decoration of the Netherlands, and ranks after the Order of the Netherlands Lion.