Netherlands, Kingdom. A Military Order of William in Gold, III Class Knight, c.1850

(Militaire Willems-Orde). Instituted in 1815. A fine mid 19th Century award, crafted in 18K Gold featuring a white enameled Maltese cross with green laurels in each quadrant, weighing 10 grams, partial maker's mark on the ring, measuring 32.3 mm (w) x 49.3 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, extremely fine and scarce. Footnote: The Military William Order, or often named Military Order of William is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Order's motto is "Voor Moed, Beleid en Trouw" (For Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty). The chivalric order was established on April 30, 1815 by King William I and was presented for feats of excellent bravery on the battlefield and as a meritorious decoration to senior military officers. Comparable with the French Légion d’Honneur but far less often awarded, the Military William Order is a chivalry order of merit open to everyone regardless of rank and nobility, and not only to Dutch military but also foreigners. To date membership of the Order is extremely rarely awarded and only for excellent bravery in battle. In the spring of 1940, it was decided that civilians would receive the Military Order of William for heroic acts in the resistance. After the liberation of the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies, several men and one woman from the resistance were awarded the Military Order of William.