Circular silver medal with integral Norwegian crown suspension; the face with the head of King Haakon VII facing left, circumscribed ‘HAAKON • VII • NORGES • KONGE • ’ (Haakon VII King of Norway), signed ‘THRONDSEN’; the reverse with the crowned cipher of King Haakon VII; age toned; on original ribbon. The medal, which is effectively Norway’s Royal Household Medal, was instituted by King Haakon VII in 1906. It is in the personal gift of the monarch and is awarded for especially meritorious service to the Royal House, and particularly to members and servants of the Royal Court. The medal may also be awarded to foreign nationals, usually in connection with state visits and visits of the King abroad. The medal is conferred in silver or gold and, unlike many Norwegian decorations, becomes the property of the recipient on award and is not required to be returned on their death. The medal is extremely rare.
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