Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Divison, Grand Officer (1892-1970)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.NLD.0103.103.01.003

Estimated market value:

$400 USD

  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Divison, Grand Officer (1892-1970)
  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Divison, Grand Officer (1892-1970)
  • Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Divison, Grand Officer (1892-1970) Reverse

Estimated market value:

$400 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Netherlands
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: JE MAINTIENDRAI Rev: W GOD ZY MET ONS
  • Size
    55-60mm
  • Version Remarks
    The commander and the breast star make a Grand Officer set.

Physical Description and Item Details


Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order of Orange-Nassau, III Class Commander, c.1935

(Ordre van Oranje-Nassau). Instituted in 1892. In silver gilt with blue and white enamels, silver hallmarked on the loop, measuring 55.5 mm (w) x 88.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, fine chipping evident on the centrepiece rings on both sides, along with two of the white enamelled jewels at the base of the crown on the reverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, repaired integral suspension, on a full-length correct replacement neck ribbon, with repair to integral ring suspension, otherwise near extremely fine.

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 decorations of the Civil Division feature a laurel wreath between the arms of the cross. All decorations are meant to be returned to the state following the death of a member.

The Grand Officer 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 neck ribbon that is 55mm wide for men and 37mm wide for women. It is identical to the Commander, however, only the Grand Officer is worn with a Breast Star.

There are at least two versions of the Grand Officer 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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