Croatia, Independent State. A Rare Order of Merit, Grand Cross, Moslem Version, by Braca Knaus, c.1942

(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Badge: insignia with a three-piece construction, in silver with red enamels, measuring 49 mm (w) x 68 mm (h), affixed to a large bow-tie on a full-length period sash that incorporates a decorative moiré pattern; and Breast Star: insignia with a three-piece construction, in silver with red enamels, mounted to a frosted silver star base, maker marked "BK" (Braća Knaus, Zagreb), hallmarked with a lobster flanked by the Roman numeral "III" and a "1" and hallmarked with a Croatian goose flanked by a "III' at the left and an "A" at the right on the pin, measuring 87.5 mm (w) x 87.5 mm (h), vertical pinback. Both with intact enamels, extremely fine. Accompanied by two Photographs (both in black and white; first photo illustrating a reclined Moslem soldier smoking a cigarette, stamped "Agfa Brovira" on the reverse, scalloped edges, measuring 125 mm (w) x 175 mm (h); second photo illustrating the bust of a Moslem soldier, studio emboss stamped at the lower right, handwritten inscription in black ink on the reverse, scalloped edges, measuring 85 mm (w) x 135 mm (h); together, near extremely fine).

Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.