Instituted May 10 1881 by King Carol I. Type I (1881-1941). Civil Division. Of Austrian manufacture, a Grand Cross, comprising a sash badge in silver gilt, a Maltese cross in red and white enamels, cyphers of Carol in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a royal crown on a red enamelled field, surrounded by a white ring inscribed PRIN NOI INSIN 14. MARTIE 1881, the reverse medallion presents the date 10.MAIU and the years 1866 1877 1881 in the white ring, marked on the ring KF denoting manufacture by Karl Fischmeister, A for Viennese manufacture, and a silver hallmark, measures 71.5mm (w) x 72.4mm (h), weighs 57.2 grams, very dark patina, areas of enamel wear and scratches, heavy gilt wear, remains in very fine condition.
Accompanied by a full length sash, heavily worn and tattered, discoloured, in fair condition.