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Miniature white enamel and silver gilt Maltese cross with ball-tipped finials and with deep blue enamel inset panels, with laurel wreath between the arms, on swivel crown suspension; the face with a circular central blue enamel and gilt medallion bearing a gilt Netherlands lion within a white enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘JE MAINTIENDRAI’ (I will maintain); the reverse with a circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt crowned cipher of Queen Wilhelmina, in whose name the Order was founded, within a white enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘GOD ZY MET ONS’ (God be with us); slight loss of blue enamel from the medallion of the face, a few hairline cracks in the white enamel of the medallion of the reverse from wear; height 24.09mm (0.95 inch), width 14.57mm (0.57 inch); on original ribbon with rosette denoting an award of the ‘officer’ class. The Order was established by Queen Emma, Dowager Queen, acting as Regent for Queen Wilhelmina, on 4 April 1892 and may be awarded to both Dutch citizens and foreigners for meritorious service to the Dutch throne, state or society. An example of high quality and some age.
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