Denmark, Kingdom. An Order of the Dannebrog, Commander I Degree Star

(Dannebrogordenen). Instituted in 1671. In silver, with the monogram bearing a crowned "W" (King Valdemar Sejr), the letters "GUD OG KON GEN" (Gud og Kongen = God and the King), along with the beaded border on the cross in Gold, maker marked "A.M." (Anton Michelsen of Copenhagen, Denmark) on the reverse, measuring 53 mm (w) x 70 mm (h), dual prong vertical pinback, intact enamels, very light contact, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of the Dannebrog is a Danish order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V. Until 1808, membership in the order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank who formed a single class known as White Knights, to distinguish them from the Blue Knights who were members of the Order of the Elephant. In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes. The Grand Commander class is reserved to persons of princely origin. It is only awarded to royalty with close family ties with the Danish Royal House. The statute of the Order was amended in 1951 by a Royal Ordinance so that both men and women could be members of the Order. Today, the Order of the Dannebrog is a means of honouring and rewarding the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life or for those working for Danish interests.