Czechoslovakia, I Republic. An Order of the White Lion, IV Class Officer, by Karnet & Kyselý, c.1935

Item #EU18810

$1,302

(Řád Bílého lva). Instituted in 1922. In silver gilt with red, blue and black enamels, hallmarked with the Slovak arms and fronted by a "3" (900 silver, the hallmark used between 1929 and 1942), marked "900" (silver) and maker marked "KK" (Karnet & Kyselý of Prague) on the ring, measuring 44 mm (w) x 62 mm (h) inclusive of its crossed palms and wreath suspension, intact enamels, light contact, large rosette on its original ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon pebbled exterior, Czech lion coat-of-arms in silver-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "KARNET & KYSELÝ PRAHA" on the white satin inside lid, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a black felt recessed medal bed, measuring 72 mm (w) x 135 mm (h) x 25.5 mm (d), light soiling present on the white satin of the inside lid and on the fabric overlying the hinged area, case also near extremely fine.

 

Footnote: The Order of the White Lion was created as an award for merit by Czechoslovakia for foreign citizens. The Order was established in two divisions, Civil (with two crossed palms above the badge) and Military (with two crossed swords above the badge); in five classes: I Class with collar, I Class Grand Cross, II Class Grand Officer, III Class Commander, IV Class Officer and V Class Knight, along with a I Class Gold Medal and II Class Silver Medal.