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White enamel and silver-gilt cross pattée, the arms edged with blue enamel, on integral crown suspension; the face with a circular central white enamel medallion bearing the silver gilt figure of St George slaying the dragon within a silver gilt circular laurel wreath; the reverse plain; diameter 17.07mm (0.67 inch); minute losses of white enamel and gilding in places; on replaced ribbon. The Cross was instituted in three grades on 13 May 1913 at the end of the First Balkan War and ranked as an Order, making it the highest war decoration. It was awarded only for bravery in the field of battle and was withdrawn in 1923. EME Anagnostopoulos of Athens made two versions in miniature, one with an enamel reverse and one, as in this example, plain silver-gilt. It is rare, especially in miniature.
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