(Kungliga Vasaorden). Instituted on May 29, 1772 by King Gustav III. Type II. 1866-1951 issue. Sash badge in silver gilt, consisting of an enameled white Maltese cross with ball finials, featuring Swedish royal crowns in each quadrant, obverse centre displaying a Vasa sheaf with red enamel surround inscribed GUSTAF DEN III INST. MDCCLXXII (Instituted By Gustav III MDCCLXXII), presenting double-sided design, hallmarked three times by Dutch import mark "vreemd" (which translates to foreign) for objects made in abroad between 1906 and 1953, measuring 53.94 mm (w) x 83.62 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), with minor gilt lost, light contact, suspended by beautiful green original period sash, better than very fine.
Footnote: The Order of Vasa was awarded to Swedish citizens in recognition of meritorious service rendered to state and society especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and commerce. It was instituted on 29 May 1772 by King Gustav III, and it was unrestricted by birth or education. 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.

