Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class, Christian Version, C.1942 Auction eagle’s reverse stamped “800

eagle’s reverse stamped “800

maker marked "GEMSCO" and marked "ACID TEST" on the the reverse

newspaper Death Notice

Constructed of bronze with white enamel

Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class, Christian Version, C.1942 Auction eagle’s reverse stamped “800(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. In silver with red enamels, measuring 44 mm (w) x 47. 7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, on an original narrow version ribbon, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.