Sweden, Kingdom. An Order of Vasa in Gold, Miniature

(Kungl. Vasaorden). Instituted in 1772. In Gold with red and white enamels, weighing 4.2 grams inclusive of its ribbon and button hole attachment, measuring 17 mm (w) x 25.3 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon with cloth-wrapped button hole attachment, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal Order of Vasa is a Swedish order of chivalry, awarded to citizens of Sweden for service to state and society especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and commerce. It was instituted on May 29, 1772 by King Gustav III. It was unrestricted by birth or education and could therefore be awarded to anyone (as opposed to the Order of the Polar Star, which was intended as a reward for the learned professions). It was the most junior of all the Swedish orders. It was often awarded to Norwegian subjects of the dual monarchy until Oscar I founded the Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1847. Since 1974, the order is no longer conferred: officially it has been declared as "dormant", along with the Order of the Sword.