Denmark, Kingdom. An Order of the Dannebrog, Grand Cross Star, c.1948

(Dannebrogordenen). Instituted in 1671. Cross in Gold with red and white enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with seven emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, Danish maker marked "AM" surmounted by a crown (Anton Michelsen, Copenhagen) and marked "925S" (silver) on the reverse, measuring 85 mm (w) x 87 mm (h), dual prong pinback, the white enamels with fine chipping evident in the centre of the cross along with repair on the arm at 12 o'clock, fine chipping and crazing in the red enamels along the top edge on the arm at 12 o'clock, better than very 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.