Norway, Kingdom. An Order of St. Olav in Gold, Grand Cross, by Tostrup & Kristiania, c.1910

(Den Kongelige Norske Sankt Olavs Orden). Civil Division. Type II. Instituted in 1030 by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden. Of high quality manufacture, sash badge consisting of an enameled white Maltese Cross in Gold with ball finials, featuring crowned monographs “O” (for Oscar I) in each quadrant also in Gold, obverse centre exhibiting a superposed heraldic Norway Lion on a red enameled background, reverse depicting the inscription RET OG SANDHED (Justice and Truth), surmounted by a Gold Norway Royal Crown with enameled details, featuring a Norway Lion on the top of the Crown, loop suspension marked by J. TOSTRUP, OSLO, denoting Gold purity of 750, measuring 60.45 mm (w) x 94.33 mm (h - inclusive of heraldic Lion), weighting 36.5 grams, with bent finial ball on the 6 o’clock arm and enamel loss to jewels of crown, accompanied by very well-preserved original sash ribbon, extremely fine; Accompanied by the star of the order, an eight-pointed cut silver star, with obverse centre in Gold exhibiting an enameled white and red insignia of the Order, featuring superposed heraldic Lion also in Gold, reverse with pin assembly, marked by maker’s cartouche of Tostrup & Kristiania, measuring 80.66 mm (w) x 81.20 mm (h), presenting toned silver and minor cracked enamels, set extremely good.

Footnote: Established by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden, this Order was instituted in commemoration of the Patron Saint of Norway, Saint Olaf, who died in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Initially, this Order was only awarded to Royals (including foreign Royals), Heads of State and Foreign Nationals. In 1985, the Order began to be awarded to Norwegians and foreigners for outstanding achievements rendered to the country and humanity, but since this amendment Norwegian citizens have been the sole recipients of the Order, with honourary membership offered to Royalty and foreign Heads of State.