Romania, Kingdom. An Order of the Ruling House, Military Grand Cross Star, by Hemmerle, c.1940

Instituted in 1935 by King Carol II. Military Division. A very attractive and rare eight point silver star composed of clusters of five double pronged faceted rays, the obverse center presents a white enamel cross with a black enamel border along the edge with a light green enamelled wreath of oak leaves on the left half quadrants and laurel leaves on the right half quadrants, the center medallion presents a crowned Hohenzollern shield on a white enamel field, surrounded by a light blue enamel ring inscribed NIHIL SINE DEO (Nothing Without God), reverse presents four rivets connecting the white enamel cross, and a single pin assembly, maker cartouche JUWELIERE GEBR HEMMERLE VORN. ELCHINGER MUNCHEN in the reverse center, measures 80.70mm (w) x 81.55mm (h), weighs 79.4 grams, enamels intact, poor enameling on the green wreath, one rivet on reverse has been replaced, overall very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Royal House was originally established as the Princely House Order of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in 1841. The Romanian Order was later instituted by King Carol II in 1935. It was conferred upon military Officers and civilians of equal rank in recognition of meritorious service, but it was discontinued a short time later following the abdication of King Carol II in 1940.