Sweden, Kingdom. An Order Of The Sword, I Class Commander,By C.f.carlman, C.1917

Kungliga Svärdsordens. Instituted in 1749. Type II (1871-1919 Issue). In silver, the centrepiece in Gold with blue enamels, each arm with ten faceted rays, maker marked "CFC" (C.F. Carlman, Stockholm), marked with the National three crowns (Tre Kronor) hallmark, marked with an "s" within a hexagon (silver standard), city stamped with the King's bust (made in Stockholm) and date marked "P7" (1917) on the reverse, measuring 79.5 mm (w) x 79.5 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry created by King Frederick I of Sweden on February 23, 1748, together with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. It is awarded to officers, and was originally intended as an award for bravery and particularly long or useful service, but eventually became a more or less obligatory award for military officers after a certain number of years in service. There were originally three grades, Knight, Commander and Commander Grand Cross, but these were later multiplied by division into classes: Commander Grand Cross, Commander 1st Class, Commander, Knight 1st Class and Knight. The order also encompasses two medals: Badge of the Sword (reserved for Non-commissioned officers) and Medal of the Sword (reserved for Underbefäl, lower commanders of the ranks of corporal to Sergeant).