(Ordinul Steaua României). Instituted on 10 May 18778 by Prince Carol I. Type I. (1877-1932 Issue). Military Division. A silver eight-point star consisting of clusters of faceted rays, the obverse silver gilt medallion presents a blue enamelled Romanian cross with rays in each quadrant and sections of crossed swords in the center of the rays, the medallion presents a silver gilt eagle on a lovely red enamel background, surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed with the Order’s motto IN FIDE SALUS (In Faith Is The Salvation), encircled by a green enamelled laurel wreath, the reverse presents a single pin assembly with the makers cartouche of Joseph Resche & Fils Bucarest, marked on the pin with an A denoting Bucarest and a Romanian silver quality mark denoting .800 silver fineness between 1906-1926, the latter mark is also on the obverse second last facet of the 6 o’clock arm, measures 90.65mm (w) x 90.59mm (h), weighs 73.3 grams. Heavy enamel loss to all arms of the blue enamelled Romanian cross, small chip to the blue enamel ring with inscription, dark patina on silver, pin slightly bent making it challenging to fit the catch, however still in better than fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of the Star of Romania was established by Prince Carol I, the future King Carol I, in 1877 in the first official act of the sovereign nation of Romania. The Order was later suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 1998 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently conferred upon Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service to Romania. It had also been awarded to foreign military personnel in the First and Second World War. There are three different models of the Grand Cross Breast Star. The first model, awarded from 1877-1932, has rays between the arms of the cross. Military Division decorations awarded in wartime feature crossed swords that run through the body of the cross.