Hungary, Kingdom. A National Defence Cross, c.1940

(Nemzetvédelmi Kereszt). Instituted in 1940. In silvered zinc, measuring 39 mm (w) x 44 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, bubbling evident in the zinc, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The National Defence Cross was instituted on December 11, 1940, with the initial intention of rewarding those who had resisted and defeated the Communist regime of Bela Kun in 1919 and latterly, those who loyally served the Regent of Hungary and fought subversive elements during the Second World War.