Blue enamel cross crosslet with Romanian heraldic eagles with wings spread between the arms, on crossed swords and with swivel crown suspension; the face with a central circular red enamel medallion bearing the gilt cipher of King Carol I within a blue enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘IN FIDE SALUS’ (Salvation lies in loyalty) encircled by a green enamel oak wreath; the reverse with a central circular red enamel medallion bearing the gilt date ‘1877’ encircled by a green enamel oak wreath; on original war gallantry ribbon with original fittings and oxidised metal oak leaf. The Order was instituted on 10 May 1877, one of the first acts of the newly independent Romanian principality to reward outstanding military and civil service to the state. The crossed swords indicate that this was a military award and the eagles between the arms of the cross, the cipher of Carol I on the face and the pattern of the ribbon place this example in the period 1938-1947. It was most likely awarded for service on the Eastern Front where Romanian forces fought alongside the German Wehrmacht against Soviet Russia. The oak leaf was instituted by King Michael on 26 June 1943 and awarded to soldiers wounded in action on three or more occasions. A good example in original condition.
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