Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown, Honourary Cross, C.1970

(Kroonorde, Erekruis). Instituted in 1969. Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with white, orange and blue enamels, unmarked, measuring 54.8 mm (w) x 75 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, very light contact, on its original bow-tied ribbon with pinback, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, dark red thatched-look exterior, horn icon in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "KONINKLIJKE BEGEER B.V. VOORSCHOTEN", base with a recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, exhibiting a few black marks on the lid, two small indentations on the bottom, measuring 119 m (w) x 136 mm (h) x 31.5 mm (d), case near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown is a house order of the Dutch Royal House and came into being as a result of Queen Juliana's reorganization of the Order of the House of Orange (Huisorde van Oranje) in 1969. The eighteen classes of the house order were no longer felt to be appropriate in the ever more egalitarian Dutch society of the 1960s. The Order was divided into five subdivisions. As a house order it is not subject to ministerial responsibility or influence, but is awarded at the discretion of the Dutch monarch alone. It is awarded to foreigners for service to the Crown or other special merit, awarded by the Sovereign, in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Honourary Cross with Breast Star, Grand Officer, Grand Honorary Cross, Honorary Cross with Rosette and Honourary Cross, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Grade Medals.