Croatia, Independent State. An Order of Merit, I Class Star by Braca Knaus

(Red za zasluge). Instituted on 10 April 1942. Christian Version. Lady’s Issue. A multiple-rayed eight-armed star in typical Croatian die stamped frosted silver, the obverse consisting of a Croatian-style cross moline with red-enamelled arms in silver, superimposed by a silver letter "U" with a flaming grenade within the Croatian šahovnica, surrounded by Croatian wattle pattern through the arms also in silver, the reverse presenting a principal pin assembly, marked twice with “BK” (for Braća Knaus), along with Croatian hallmarked with a goose and Roman numeral "III" (for 800 silver content), measuring 70.5mm (w) x 71.4mm (h), (center applique measures 27mm x 27.1mm, denoting lady’s version), weighs 32.9 grams, enamels intact, wear to silver rays, remains in very fine condition.