Romania, Kingdom. An Order Of The Star Of Romania, Type Ii, Military Division, Knight’s Cross, C. 1947

Ordin "Steaua Romaniei". Instituted in 1877. Type II (1932-1947). Military Division. A Knight’s Cross in bronze gilt presenting a Romanian Cross in dark blue enamel with an eagle with outstretch wings in each quadrant, wartime swords piercing through the center of the badge and through the eagles, the center medallion presents the raised cypher of Carol I on a red enamelled field, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed IN FIDE SALUS, surrounded by a green enamelled wreath, the reverse medallion presents a red enamelled field inscribed 1977 surrounded by a slightly thicker green enamel wreath, measures 43.80mm (w) x 64.50mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension), worn on original ribbon, slightly faded, loss of red enamel behind the “I” of the cypher on the obverse medallion, two small chips to blue enamel however, consistent gilding, a scarce decoration in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Star of Romania was established by Prince Carol I, the future King Carol I, in 1877 in the first official act of the sovereign nation of Romania. The Order was later suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 1998 following the collapse of the communist regime.