Croatia, Independent State. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Star, Christian Version

(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Four-piece construction, insignia in silver with red enamels, mounted to a silver eight-pointed star base, each star pont with five emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, maker marked "BK" (Braća Knaus, Zagreb) and hallmarked with a Croatian goose flanked by a "III' at the left and an "A" at the right on the pin, inscribed "10.IV. / ZA ZASLUGE / 1942" on the reverse, measuring 85 mm (w) x 85 mm (h), vertical pinback, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.