(Den Kongelige Norske Sankt Olavs Orden). Civil Division. Type II. 1905-1937 Issue. A very attractive enameled white Maltese Cross with ball finials in Gold, embellishing by period crowned monogram of St. Olav in each quadrant also in Gold, the obverse centre features a superposed Gold Norwegian lion, with a finely enameled red background with elegant white-blue-white border, the reverse centre displays an enameled red medallion inscribed “RET OG SANDHED” (Justice and Truth) in gilded lettering, with a surrounded white and blue-bordered, the cross is surmounted by a hollow Norwegian crown with enameled details in Gold, marked by Norwegian hallmark denoting 18 carat, together with a maker's mark of J. Tostrup, major manufacturer in Norway since its foundation in 1831, measuring 42.11 mm (w) x 64.23 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), weighting 20.1 grams, with minor cracked white enamel, suspended by original breast ribbon, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Established by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden, this Order was instituted in commemoration of the Patron Saint of Norway, Saint Olaf, who died in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Initially, this Order was only awarded to Royals (including foreign Royals), Heads of State and Foreign Nationals. In 1985, the Order began to be awarded to Norwegians and foreigners for outstanding achievements rendered to the country and humanity, but since this amendment Norwegian citizens have been the sole recipients of the Order, with honourary membership offered to Royalty and foreign Heads of State.