Croatia, Independent State. An Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir, I Class with Swords Star, c.1941

(Red krune kralja Zvonimira). Instituted in 1941. Three-piece construction, insignia in bronze gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed frosted silver star base, each star point with seven rays, maker marked "B.K." (Braca Knaus of Zagreb) and NDH state hallmarked featuring a Croatian goose flanked by a "I' at the left and an "A" at the right, post 1942 mark denoting .950 silver on the reverse, the same two marks along with the Independent State of Croatia "NDH"(Nezavisna Država Hrvatska) insignia appearing on the pinback, measuring 69.5 mm (w) x 69 mm (h), horizontal pinback, crazing and repair evident in the white enamels on the arms at 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock, scattered frosting wear, fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir was an order awarded by the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). It was established as a "visible sign of decoration for merits done, in peace or in war, for the Croatian people and the Independent State of Croatia" by Croatian leader Ante Pavelić on May 15, 1941. The bearers of the grand order and first class order were given the title of knight (vitez).