Order of Orange-Nassau, Military Division, Grand Cross (1892-1970)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.NLD.0103.201.01.000

Estimated market value:

$800 USD

  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Cross, Military Division (1892-1970)
  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Cross, Military Division (1892-1970)
  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Cross, Military Division (1892-1970) Reverese

Estimated market value:

$800 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Netherlands
  • Makers
    Rijksmunt, Utrecht
  • Composition
    Silver/Gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: JE MAINTIENDRAI Rev: W GOD ZY MET ONS
  • Size
    60mm
  • Version Remarks
    A scarce award.

Physical Description and Item Details


Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order of the Orange-Nassau, Grand Cross, c.1950

(Orde van Oranje-Nassau). Instituted on 4 April 1892 by Queen-Regent Emma. Military Division. A sash badge consisting of a blue-enameled white-bordered Maltese cross with ball finials in silver gilt, featuring crossed silver swords with gilded hilts in each quadrant, the obverse displaying a standing Dutch lion holding a book and a sword, on a blue enamel background with wearing gilded details, surrounded by a white enamel border inscribed the national motto Je Maintiendrai (I shall maintain), the reverse exhibiting a superposed crowned monogram of Queen Wilhelmina, with enameled blue background and wearing details, surrounded by the inscription God Zij Met Ons (God be with us), surmounted by typical large Dutch royal crown in silver gilt, measuring 57.37 mm (w) x 87.51 (h - inclusive of crown suspension), presenting general gilt loss, suspended by original full-length sash ribbon with bow, very good condition.

History


The Order of Orange-Nassau was established by Queen Emma in the name of her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina, in 1892. It was considered necessary to establish another order following the discontinuation of the Order of the Oak Crown and the Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau in the Netherlands. It is currently the most widely conferred order in the Netherlands. The reigning Dutch monarch is the Grand Master of the Order.

The Order is conferred upon Dutch citizens and foreigners in recognition of meritorious service to Dutch society. During the Second World War, it was conferred upon Dutch and Allied military personnel for participation in the liberation of the Netherlands and Dutch colonies.

The Order is conferred in a Civil Division and Military Division. The Military Division is awarded to military personnel, and not in recognition of military merit, although this is most often the case. The decorations of the Military Division feature crossed swords. All decorations are meant to be returned to the state following the death of a member.

The Grand Cross features an obverse inscription that translates to, "I Shall Maintain," and a reverse inscription that translates to "God Be With Us." The reverse also features the royal monogram of Queen Wilhelmina. It is worn on a sash that is 101mm wide for men and 68mm wide for women.

There are at least two versions of the Grand Cross that differ in the spelling of the reverse inscription. Until about 1970, the reverse inscription featured the spelling “Zy,” while versions made after this date feature “Zij.” There may be additional versions that differ in size, composition, or manufacturer.

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