SWEDEN – Order of Vasa, Knight First Class (RVO 1kl) in 18K Gold with Buttonhole Miniature
kr 14,000.00
In stock
Description
SWEDEN – Order of Vasa, Knight First Class (RVO 1kl) in 18K Gold with Buttonhole Miniature
(Kungliga Vasaorden)
The Royal Order of Vasa was instituted on 26 May 1772 by King Gustav III of Sweden. The Order was created to reward distinguished achievements in agriculture, commerce, industry, mining, craftsmanship, public service, and other fields that contributed to the prosperity of the Kingdom of Sweden.
For almost two centuries it was one of Sweden’s principal civil decorations, awarded to Swedish citizens and foreign nationals for meritorious service to the nation. Following reforms to the Swedish honours system in 1975, awards to Swedish citizens largely ceased, although the Order continued to be awarded to foreign nationals. In 2023, Sweden reinstated the national orders system, once again allowing awards to Swedish citizens.
Description
18-karat gold and enamel insignia in the form of a white enamelled Maltese cross with gold edging and gold rays between the arms. The central medallion bears the emblematic golden Vasa sheaf, surrounded by a red enamel ring inscribed:
“GUSTAF III INSTIKTARE 1772”
(“Instituted by Gustav III in 1772”).
The badge is surmounted by the Royal Crown of Sweden and suspended from the Order’s distinctive green ribbon. The reverse bears the crowned Vasa sheaf, symbolizing prosperity, agriculture, and industry.
The accompanying buttonhole miniature reproduces the insignia in reduced size for civilian wear and is mounted on a section of the Order’s green ribbon.
Condition
Extremely Fine to Near Mint; 18K gold construction; enamel intact with minimal wear; original ribbon present with slight storage creasing; complete with original buttonhole miniature and fitted C. F. Carlman presentation case.
Historical Note
The Order of Vasa occupied a unique position within the Swedish honours system, recognizing contributions to civilian society rather than military service. Knight First Class insignia manufactured in solid 18-karat gold by prestigious makers such as C. F. Carlman represent some of the finest examples of Swedish order craftsmanship. Complete sets retaining their original case and miniature are increasingly sought after by collectors of Scandinavian orders and decorations.
