Croatia. An Order of King Zvonimir's Crown, I Class with Oak Leaves, by B. Knaus, c.1941

Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with white and green enamels, unmarked but of typical B. Knaus of Zagreb manufacture, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 51.5 mm (h), intact enamels, on its original full-length original neck ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "Red krune kralja Zvonimira I. stupnja s hrastovim grančicama" on the lid, raised platform with recessed medal bed, light wear and soiling evident on the exterior, soiling on the lining on the inside lid and the base of the case, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of King Zvonimir's Crown was an order awarded by the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). It was established by Croatian leader Ante Pavelić on May 15, 1941, as a "visible sign of decoration for merits done, in peace or in war, for Croatian people and Independent State of Croatia". The bearers of the grand order and first class order were given the title of knight (vitez). It is inscribed "BOG I HRVATI" with the dates "1076" (King Zvonimir's crowning) above and "1941" (the establishment of the NDH) below.