The Netherlands. Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Officer Class, Awarded to Paul A. Volcker by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Mint State.
A two-piece set. The main badge is a blue-enameled, white enamel-bordered Maltese Cross, in gilt measuring 54 mm across. The obverse central disc displays the King's coat of arms in gold and blue enamel, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the national motto JE MAINTIENDRAI (I shall maintain). The reverse central disc has the crowned monogram "W" (for Queen Wilhelmina) surrounded by the motto GOD ZIJ MET ONS (God be with us). The badge hangs from a royal crown. A wreath of laurel is seen between the arms of the cross. The badge is attached to an orange ribbon with white and blue border stripes. The second piece of the Order is a four-point silver star with straight rays, 82.5 mm across, the central disc has the King's arms in gold and blue enamel, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the Dutch national motto JE MAINTIENDRAI. Both are housed together in the original box of issue. Established in April, 1892, the Order of Orange-Nassau is a Chivalric order, bestowed upon "those who have earned special merits for society." The Order is awarded to people for outstanding achievements in their work, surpassing those of others in their field and exceeding what would normally be expected of someone in their particular job. The order recognizes six classes, this particular award (Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau) ranking the second from the top. Approximately 4,000 individuals are recognized by this award annually.
To view all items from the Paul A.Volcker Collection, click here.
From the Paul A.Volcker Collection.