Yugoslavia, Republic. An Order of the Yugoslav Star, I Class Set in Gold with Rubies, by IKOM, c.1960

Орден југословенске звезде. Instituted February 1 1954. Type II. A beautiful and rare I Class set, the badge featuring a silver gilt decoration, the medallion presenting a golden star with red enamelling on a blue enamelled field, measures 59.45mm (h) x 58.90mm (h), marked on the reverse 900 and IKOM (Zagreb), affixed to the original purple silk sash, showing wear to gilt, a lovely example in extremely fine condition. The Breast Star features a ten point silver star with faceted rays, the obverse matches that of the medallion in silver gilt and enamels, the star features ten beautiful synthetic rubies, the reverse presents a single pin suspension, marked on the reverse plate with a swan hallmark, 900 denoting silver fineness, and the IKOM makers mark, measures 78.60mm (w) x 76.70mm (h), weighs 118.9 grams, wear to silver gilt, reverse heavily plated, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by it’s original hardshell case of issue, composed of red leatherette exterior stamped ORDEN JUGOSLOVENSKE ZVEZDE SA LENTOM, the interior features a white silk lid and black velvet medalbed, measures 207mm (w) x 277mm (l) x 59mm (d), functional clasp and hinge, light wear to exterior, in near extremely fine condition. Included in the case is a purple ribbon bar with silver star device.

Footnote: The Order of the Yugoslav Star was the highest national order of merit awarded in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It was divided into four classes: Yugoslav Great Star (second highest decoration in FR Yugoslavia (after the Order of Yugoslavia); Yugoslav Star, I Class (seventh highest decoration in FR Yugoslavia); Yugoslav Star, II Class (twentieth highest decoration in FR Yugoslavia); and Yugoslav Star, III Class (thirty-first highest decoration in FR Yugoslavia). The order was mostly awarded to foreign heads of state and other distinguished foreigners, for the development and strengthening of peace and cooperation between nations. Only 66 awards were made to Yugoslavians, and 93 made to foreigners.