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Small miniature white enamel and gilt Maltese cross with the four sheaves of King Gustav I Vasa in silver-gilt between the arms, on gilt crown and bow suspension; both face and reverse plain; height15.58mm (0.61 inch); the white enamel with pinholes from the time of manufacture; on a short length of display ribbon. The Swedish branch of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem was founded by Members of the German Johanniter Ordern in 1920 and became independent in 1946. It is an autonomous Order of Chivalry under the Protection of the King of Sweden and is open only to male members of the Swedish nobility. Its philanthropic aims are those of similar orders and it is active in extending aid to the old, distressed and sick. The insignia of the Order are rarely found, especially in miniature.
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