Grand Cross/Commander Badges
Order of St Olav
Norway
-1847 drawing from Leganger book-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander badge
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N207
Date : 1847
Drawing from N.F. Leganger: 'Den Kongelige Norske St. Olavs Orden', 1913.
-1847 drawing from Leganger book-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N206
Date : 1847
Drawing from N.F. Leganger: 'Den Kongelige Norske St. Olavs Orden', 1913.
-1847 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Livrustkamaren
Awarded to : King Karl XV
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 84
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 33
Tracking # : N333x
Date : 1847
A white-enamelled Maltese cross in gold with balls on the tips, bearing a crowned Anglo-Saxon 'O' in gold between the arms. The slightly domed medallion is covered in transparent red enamel and contains a crowned golden lion holding a golden axe in its front paws. The medallion has a white-blue-white border and, on the reverse, golden text instead of the lion: ‘RET OG SANDHED’ (Truth and Justice). Between the tips of the upper cross arms are two upward-pointing bands to which a royal gold crown is attached by hinges. There is a fixed ring at the top of the crown to which a pear-shaped ring is attached.
Belongs to Statens Historiska Museum. Registered at Livrustkammaren under 732_LRK.
-1847 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner :
Awarded to : N.N.
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N175x
Date : 1847
Please note that the swords for this order are of gold with no enamel. The swords also points upwards towards God. Later this changed with swords pointing downwards in a more humble guesture.
-1847 Grand Cross/Commander badge repaired-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner :
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N950x
Date : 1847
-1847.08.21 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner :
Awarded to : Severin Løvenskiold
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N339x
Date : 1847.08.21 awarded
Severin Løvenskiold was awarded a number of honours for his work. He was a holder of the Citizens' Council Medal and on 21 August 1847 was appointed Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav by the King “for distinguished public service”. He was also a Knight of the Order of the Seraphim of Sweden and the Elephant Order of Denmark. He also carried the Grand Cross of the Order of the North Star among many other awards..
Given that this painting and other paintings looks more or less like this and not like the standard 1847 St Olav version then one can only speculate who made it and where it was made. Maybe it was made in Sweden or France?
-1847.08.21 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Livrustkammaren
Awarded to : Gustav, hertig av Uppland
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm): 53
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N371x
Date : 1847.08.21 awarded
KEYWORDS/TITLE Order of St Olaf, Commander's Cross
CARD DESCRIPTION Commander's Cross with Sword, Norwegian Order of St Olav, m:1847.
NAME Owner: Gustav, Duke of Uppland (1827-1852)
Broker: Johan Gabriel Eketrä
DATE 1847-1873
COLLECTION Livrustkammaren
INVENTORY NUMBER 1887 (3559)
https://samlingar.shm.se/media/E8DE39B0-0C07-4C68-B653-7CBEEFFB0755
The Swords on this item seems to have blue enamel on the reverse side. It could have been replaced at some stage because most seems to have thin gold swords.
-1847.09.05 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Armemuseet
Awarded to : Bror Cederström
Type : Military
Height (mm): 73.6
Width (mm): 56.4
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N319x
Date : 1847.09.05 awarded
Inscription (text on the front) : 'Ret og sandhed' (‘LAW AND TRUTH’).
WIDTH 56.4 mm INV 79655 HEIGHT 73.6 mm WIDTH Sash 56 mm
Belonging to the collection of Lieutenant General frih. B. Cederström's collection.
FORMER OWNER Cederström, Bror 5.9.1848 awarded
ACCESSION 1908 DONOR TO THE MUSEUM Cederström, Carl Gustaf Bror SÄKER
Order of the Seraphim ribbon.svg Sweden Knight and Commander of the Royal Order (Seraphim). Majt:s Orden (Order of the Seraphim), 11 May 1838[3].
Order of the Sword - Ribbon bar.svg Sweden Commander of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword, 28 November 1819.[3]
Order of the Sword - Ribbon bar.svg Sweden Commander of the Order of the Sword, 12 August 1815.[3]
Order of the Sword - Ribbon bar.svg Sweden Knight of the Order of the Sword, 28 April 1807.[3]
Sweden Knight with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword[4]
Sweden Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences
Sweden Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Forestry and Agriculture
St Olavs Orden storkors stripe.svg Norway Grand Cross of the Norwegian Order of St Olav, 5 September 1848[3]
Inventory 79655
Curved crown on top.
-1855 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Rosenborg Castle
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N291x
Date : 1855 estimated
St Olav military version, Exibited as item 1857 at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. Looks like foreign made.
-1856.06.16 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : French probably
J period :
Owner : Christie's Paris
Awarded to : HRH Prince Lucien Murat
Type : Military
Height (mm): 82
Width (mm): 60
Weight(gr) : 36.5
Tracking # : N264x
Date : 1856.06.16
Memories of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, Emperor Napoleon I and Prince Lucien Murat.
Set of Grand Crosses in a military capacity of the 1st type of the Order of Saint Olaf. These belonged to Prince Lucien Murat (1803-1878).
Kingdom of Norway. Manufactured around 1855-1857.
The jewel: The jewel is crafted from 18-carat gold and intricately chased enamel, featuring a beaded bail ring. The piece showcases a royal crown with beaded arches, elegantly hinged to a cross with four branches and double pommets. Interspersed within the crown are the cipher of Oscar I, the junction between the cross and the crown is adorned with two crossed swords with blue enamelled blades, points pointing downwards. The obverse side of the centre features an additional motif of the Norwegian lion, while the reverse side is elegantly decorated with the inscription 'RET OG SANDHED'. The jewel is accompanied by a label inscribed with the number '163' in pen.<
The plaque is crafted entirely in silver, with finely worked details and diamond points. The central medallion features an enameled gold cross with a radiant centre, set with a Norwegian lion motif. The reverse is lined with a plain silver plaque, with a tilting attachment. The plaque bears a pen label reading "164" and a Murat collections label in red morocco "258".Dimensions of the jewel: 8.2 x 6 cm. (31/4 x 23/8 in.), D. plate: 7.5 cm. (3 in.)
Jewellery: 36.5 g, plate: 66 g.We would like to express our gratitude to Arnaud de Gouvion Saint-Cyr for his invaluable assistance in the form of expertise and for the drafting of this notice.
The pieces were originally acquired by Lucien Murat (1803-1878), son of King Joachim Murat, who served as a senator under the Second Empire. They are documented in the Murat collections inventory under the numbers 163 and 164 (which can be found on the objects). '163-Decoration Swedish Cross' and '164-Decoration Sweden sword plaque and gold Lion'.
Literature: Archives nationales, Archives Lucien Murat 31 AP 59.
FURTHER DETAILS: A GRAND CROSS SET OF THE 1ST TYPE FOR MILITARY DISTINCTION OF THE ROYAL ORDER OF SAINT OLAF, KINGDOM OF NORWAY, BELONGING TO PRINCE LUCIEN MURAT (1803-1878)
-1858.10.29 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period : 1875-2014
Owner : Livrustkammaren
Awarded to : King Gustaf V
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 82
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 36
Tracking # : N347x
Date : 1858.10.29 awarded
A white-enamelled Maltese cross in gold with balls on the tips, bearing a crowned Anglo-Saxon 'O' in gold between its arms. An arched medallion covered in transparent red enamel on which a crowned lion bearing an axe is affixed. A white-blue-white enamel border surrounds the medallion. The reverse side has a medallion of the same design, but with the gold text 'RET // OG // SANDHED' instead of the lion. Above the tips of the upper cross arms are two crossed swords with blue enamel blades and upturned tips. Behind this is a gold leaf to which a royal crown is attached, made of gold, white, red and green enamel. It has a ring drawn through the apple and a spiral-shaped gold band attached to it.
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 82
Width (mm): 56
Weight(gr) : 36.8
Tracking # : N135
Date : 1860 estimated
St Olav military version, This is a beautiful example of an St Olav order. Superb quality.
Paired with N134.
-1860-1905 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Beausant Lefevre
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 86
Width (mm): 54.5
Weight(gr) : 30
Tracking # : N289x
Date : 1860-1905 model
2 000 - 3 000 €
Results without fees
Result: 3,500 €
Order of St. Olaf, founded in 1847, together …
Order of St. Olaf, founded in 1847, Grand Cross set of the second model in use from 1860 and 1906, including: the jewel in gold and enamel, attributed to the silversmith Christian Hammer, the center of two-part obverse , specific hinge pattern, wide and high crown, ring integral with the summit orb (hair, small chips to crown jewels, one point on the reverse and the outer obverse of the center of obverse); and the silver plate worked in openwork diamond points, the cross on gold and enamel (hair, missing a crown on a monogram), fixing by double tilting pin.
The jewel: 86 x 54.5 mm, weight: 30 g - the plate: 73 mm
Sweden, last third of the nineteenth century.
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period : 1875-2014
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 79
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 32
Tracking # : N137
Date : 1860
Swords pointing up!
Wide and low crown type.
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period : 1875-2014
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 77
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 28.4
Tracking # : N138
Date : 1860
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period :
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 81.5
Width (mm): 59
Weight(gr) : 29.6
Tracking # : N126
Date : 1860
Fantastic quality of badge. Beautiful details in crown. The hinge is of the typical Carlman that was approved by the King and also used in the Swedish orders.
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period :
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 79
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 32
Tracking # : N137
Date : 1860
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 84
Width (mm): 54.5
Weight(gr) : 36.8
Tracking # : N209
Date : 1860
--letter from Bauman Belden to John Sanford Saltus, December 21, 1914.
-1860 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Statens History Museum
Awarded to : King Karl XV
Type : Military
Height (mm): 100
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 35
Tracking # : N313x
Date : 1860 estimated
A white, enamel-covered Maltese cross made of gold with balls on the points and crowned Anglo-Saxon O's of gold between the arms of the cross. The slightly arched medallion is covered in transparent red enamel and features a crowned gold lion holding a gold axe in its front paws. The medallion has a white, blue and white border and on the obverse, the lion is replaced by gold text reading 'RIGHT AND TRUTH'. Between the points of the upper cross arm are two upward-facing ribbons with a royal gold crown attached by hinges and a fixed ring at the top with a pear-shaped ring attached to it.
Livrustkammaren id 719_LRK
-1860.07.25 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander badge
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Jean Elsen
Awarded to : Jean-Baptiste Nothomb
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm): 56
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N962xB
Date : 1860.07.25 awarded
The Order of Saint Olav, set of Grand Cross, 1st model (1847-1906), is composed of a gold jewel bearing the monogram of Oscar I (56 mm, with a missing ball and point), a silver recoiled plaque with gold appliques (74 mm, with missing white enamel), and a faded scarf. The set was awarded to Jean-Baptiste Nothomb 1860.07.25. He was the Prime Minister of Belgium around that time.
-1862.07.06 Grand Cross/Commander badge -
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Commander Star
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Jean-Luc Guitera
Awarded to : Joseph Jean Joachim de Gerbaix de Sonnaz
Type : Military
Height (mm): 85
Width (mm): 54
Weight(gr) : 30
Tracking # : N362x
Date : 1862.07.06 awarded
The Commandant group of the Order of St. Olav was a soldier of the 1st model: - Grand Cross Star tracking number N361x.
The cross is made of gold and white enamel, with four branches and blue and crown enamelled swords. The centre of the cross is also made of gold and enamel, and the obverse is divided into two pieces, tied together. The cross measures 54 mm in width and 85 mm in height, and weighs 30 g gross.The cross is presented in a box covered with black morocco leather, made by the Christian Hammer company in Stockholm. The interior of the box contains a handwritten inscription. "Given by S. M. King Carle XV of Norway to Colonel de Sonnaz on July 6, 1862 at the camp near Stockholm". This document is dated 1862. The item is in very good condition. Joseph Jean Joachim de Gerbaix de Sonnaz (1828-1905), a distinguished general and politician, received this honour when he was colonel in 1862.
-1864.11.12 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Tekniska Museet
Awarded to : John Ericsson
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 84
Width (mm): 54
Weight(gr) : 40
Tracking # : N317x
Date : 1864.11.12
The Norwegian Order of St. Olav Commander badge is presented on a salmon-coloured silk ribbon with blue and white edges. Presented to John Ericsson. The badge features a four-armed Maltese cross in white enamel, suspended from a royal crown, with the name "Oscar II" inscribed in a cipher style. The reverse side features a lion sculpted in bronze on red enamel. Obverse: 'Ret og sandhed'. According to Church, this was in the year 1863. The award was made on 12/11/1864.
The museum registration number is 27833. The central lion has been adjusted to correct its position, as it was tilted 90 degrees to the left in the Technical Museum of Sweden.
-1870 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: GC/Commander Badge
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Rosenborg Castle DK
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N417x
Date : 1870 estimated
Probably foreign made. Maybe French?
-1870 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: GC/Commander Badge
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Rosenborg Castle DK
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N416x
Date : 1870 estimated
Probably foreign made. Maybe French?
Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen.
Registration no 1857 at the exhibition
-1871.06.16 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: GC/Commander Badge
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Nordiska Museet Stockholm
Awarded to : Carl Oscar Troilius
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N364x
Date : 1871.06.16 awarded
230291A Nordic Museum
FORMER OWNER Troilius, Carl Oscar
Assumed Hammer as hammer badge
1881 Sweden state calendar [95] Kongl. Styrelsen för Statens Jernvägstrafik.
Director General and Head,
Carl Oscar Troilius,
K. m. st. k. N. O.,
K. W. 0. l:a kl.,
K. S:t O. O. l. cl., (16 June 1871)
E. R. S:t St. O.1:’ cl.,
K. D. D. O. l:a gr,
K. Fr. H. L’
Turk. Medj. O. 3rd cl ,
L. K. V. A., f. 13; 63.
-1872 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Carlman
J period : 1875-2014
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 78
Width (mm): 56
Weight(gr) : 30.1
Tracking # : N075
Date : 1872 model
Bigger balls on tips of arms and more powerful lion.
Wide and low crown on top of order.
-1872 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: GC/Commander Badge
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 85
Width (mm): 56
Weight(gr) : 33.1
Tracking # : N050
Date : 1872
Paired with order N109.
Awarded to a Swedish business man from an old family in Gothenburg Sweden.
-1875 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: GC/Commander Badge
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Nordlandsmuseet Norway
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 90
Width (mm): 45
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N346x
Date : 1875 estimated
Probably foreign made. Maybe French?
-1882-1890 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1992
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 83
Width (mm): 59
Weight(gr) : 34.6
Tracking # : N139
Date : 1882-1890 model
-1882 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Jakob WilhelmHjortzberg
J period : 1827-34
Owner :
Awarded to :
Type :
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N154
Date : 1882 one off model
-1882 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1992
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 82
Width (mm): 58
Weight(gr) : 30.8
Tracking # : N011
Date : 1882 model
-1884.06.17 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Christian Hammer
J period : 1845-1870
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to : Prins Wilhelm of Sweden and Norway
Type : Military
Height (mm): 87
Width (mm): 55
Weight(gr) : 37.2
Tracking # : N049
Date : 1884.06.17
Paired with with collar N079 and Grand Cross Star N111. Collar and badge ex- Prins Wilhelm of Sweden and Norway (1861-1951). All currently exhibited at Musee Legion d'Honneur in Paris.
The military sword is the new version of gold and enamel. The Swords are pointing downward. Open small crowns on top of Os.
Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, Duke of Södermanland (Carl Wilhelm Ludvig; 17 June 1884 – 5 June 1965) was a Swedish and Norwegian prince. He authored many books (primarily in Swedish) as Prins Wilhelm.
-1890-1906 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 83.5
Width (mm): 29.6
Weight(gr) : 37.2
Tracking # : N143
Date : 1890-1906
This St Olav Order has an extremely nice quality.
Jeweller Tostrup produced the St Olav orders during the period 1882-1906. At the start the in 1882 the first collar of St Olav was introduced.
Later in 1890 the Knight 2 of silver was also introduced. The history goes that when stamping out the metal part of St Olav with the old moulds then the moulds cracked du to the harder silver metal than the earlier stamping of gold. So new and stronger moulds were introduced. All the silver Knight 2 had much thinner Os between the arms. As the moulds could handle the silver they were also used for the softer gold in the orders. Some of the gold versions made have thicker Os and also thinner Os. The thicker Os are assumed to have been produced in the period 1882-1890. And the thinner Os is assumed to be produced with the new molds in the period 1890-1906.
-1882-1890 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner :
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 97
Width (mm): 61
Weight(gr) : 34
Tracking # : N033
Date : 1906-1936 model
This St Olav Order has an very nice quality.
Jeweller Tostrup produced the St Olav orders during the period 1882-1890.
Later in 1890 the Knight 2 of silver was also introduced. The history goes that when stamping out the metal part of St Olav with the old moulds then the moulds cracked du to the harder silver metal than the earlier stamping of gold. So new and stronger moulds were introduced. All the silver Knight 2 had much thinner Os between the arms. As the moulds could handle the silver they were also used for the softer gold in the orders. Some of the gold versions made have thicker Os and also thinner Os. The thicker Os are assumed to have been produced in the period 1882-1890. And the thinner Os is assumed to be produced with the new molds in the period 1890-1906. These have thicker Os.
Another strange feature on this piece is the split tale of the center lion. I have never seen that before. Also the blade of the axe is very short. Further studies has to be done in order to try to identify the rest of the piece - part by part.
-1900 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : French?
J period :
Owner :
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N174x
Date : 1900 estimated
This St Olav Order has a French look. Most of details deviate from a Nordic look. The front center piece with the red transparent enamel has a circular dots behind the enamel. On the reverse the centre piece has the traditional radial rays behind the red enamel.
The blue circular enamel is normally made of a smooth even colored bue enamel. However on this order there are small elements looking like an extention to the normal radial rays under the red enamel.
The top crown is very different from any Nordic influence. So are the small Os between the arms. And the hinge below the large crown is a little bit like other hinges, but it is not the same.
Most likely produced in the Southern part of Europe.
-1905.11.28 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to : Herman Claus Jacobsen
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm): 61
Weight(gr) : 33
Tracking # : N006x
Date : 1905.11.28 awarded
The neck cross exquisitely wrought in gold by the manufacturer J. Tostrup of Kristiania, the manufacturer's mark ("J.T.") and the mark of fineness ("750") stamped in the suspension ring. The gold components re-cut, the blue enamelled swords soldered on the upper cross arm. The motto of the order "RET OG SANDHED" (Justice and Truth) inscribed on the back. Width 61 mm. Weight 33 g. Comes with the breast star worked in silver (the faceting chiselled by hand), with the manufacturer's signet for Tostrups, on a double attachment pin. The medallion and name ciphers rendered in gold, enamelled in various colours, some translucent. Width 76.2 mm. Weight 54.2 g.
Together with the neck ribbon in the Norwegian manufacturer's presentation case. This order set of the first standard model, issued until 1906, with the Anglo-Saxon "O"s (for King Oscar I) between the cross arms, was awarded to Sea Captain Jacobsen in 1905, immediately following the cessation of the personal union with Sweden, by King Haakon VII, and may be considered an exceptional rarity as a military decoration "with Swords".
-1906 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 97
Width (mm): 61
Weight(gr) : 34
Tracking # : N033
Date : 1900-1925
These orders had a new look and this series were valid until 1936.
This piece was in a set with tracker N102.
This also had a higher hinge than seen before. Behind globe below the top lion one see that the ring for carrying the order is connected behind the globe. One will also find this ring fixed to the middle of the lion and also behind the shoulders of the lion.
-1906 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 98
Width (mm): 62
Weight(gr) : 34
Tracking # : N034
Date : 1906-1937 model
-1906-1937 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 98
Width (mm): 62
Weight(gr) : 33
Tracking # : N036
Date : 1906-1937 model
This is a real 196-1937 version of this order. There are NO Hallmarks so it is produced some time in this period.
In addition this also is a verion with the top ring connected to the back of the shoulder of the top Lion.
-1910 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller :
J period :
Owner : Spink
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N389x
Date : 1910 estimated
This is probably made by Jeweller Chobillion in Paris. Not an official issue by jeweller Tostrup in Oslo. The tracking of the drawing of this piece is N34x from the Catalogue of Chobillion 1912.
The corresponding Commander Star is made by Tostrup in Oslo at the period.
In addition the box for the items was a Carlman (Stockholm) version. So a bit of a mix here.
SPINK Auction: 344 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale at Grand Hyatt, NY INC
Lot: 1339
Norway. Order of St. Olav - Sankt Olavs Orden. Commander's Set. By J. Tostrup, Kristiania (now Oslo), ca. 1910. Neck Badge. 51mm (not including crown suspender). Gilt silver and white, red, blue and green enamels. Norwegian lion on crown. Breast Cross. 77mm. Silver, gilt, gold applique and red, white and blue enamels. Maker's name on back. In a C.F. Carlman, Stockholm case. Attractive. Good Extremely Fine.
Sold for
$1,600
Sale 344 Notices
Please note the neck badge is an unofficial issue (different crown suspension, gilt silver instead of gold, smaller size, etc) and is likely a test sample for a future or speculative contract with the Chancellery. The Star (Breast Cross) is the official issue.
-1912 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Chobillion Paris
J period :
Owner : Chobillon
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N340x
Date : 1912 Catalogue
This is drawing is made by Jeweller Chobillion in Paris. The tracking of the real piece is shown at tracker N389x 1910.
-1925-1937 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm): 87.5
Width (mm): 61
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N035
Date : 1925-1937 model
Also remember that the 1906-1958 period are almost the same. The difference is that some miss the lion on top. Some were made like that and were produced without the top Lion during 1937-1958. Some were reused and the Lion on top were just removed which is normally quite visible on the back of the top globe. Of these there were some without the hallmark, some with the Kristiania and some with the Oslo Hallmarks. Add to this that most (about 65 %) were civilian versions and some were military versions (about 35 %).
Finally you could also consider the variations of the top ring behind the Globe or Lion in different location on the top lion.
A display of all these variants have never been exhibited anywhere.
-1937-1958 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander Badge
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Military
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N169x
Date : 1937-1958 model
How many of each Hallmark?? Nobody knows.
Also remember that the 1906-1958 period are almost the same. The difference is that some miss the lion on top. Some were made like that and were produced without the top Lion during 1937-1958. Some were reused and the Lion on top were just removed which is normally quite visible with filing marks on the back of the top globe. Of these there were some without the hallmark, some with the Kristiania and some with the Oslo Hallmarks. Add to this that most (about 65 %) were civilian versions and some were military versions like this one (about 35 %).
Finally you could also consider the variations of the top ring behind the Globe or Lion in different location on the top lion.
A display of all these variants have never been exhibited anywhere.
So this one carries Kristiania in the hallmark and the Lion on the top globe was later removed to become the 1937-1958 model, but it was produced 1906-1925.
History can be interesting at this level.
-1942 Grand Cross/Commander Badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross Badge
Jeweller : Spink
J period :
Owner : Collection Cicoia
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm): 86.5
Width (mm): 61
Weight(gr) : 62.3
Tracking # : N149
Date : 1942 produced
Knight # :
King Haakon decorates British officers
On 7 January 1943, at a ceremony at the Norwegian Embassy in London, HM the King presented the following British officers with the Order of St. Olav.
From left:
Admiral Sir John Cunningham - Order of St Olav with Star,
Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Cork and Orrery - Grand Cross of the Order of St Olav
Sir Dudley Pound - Grand Cross of the Order of St Olav.
Insignia of the late Sir Dudley Pound. 26 October 1943, Admiralty. The insignia and decorations of the late Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound, GCB, OM, GCVO, which were carried to the Abbey Funeral Service.
Enclosed in the collar of the GCB are:
(1) 1914-15 Star
(2) British War Medal
(3) Victory Medal
(4) Queen Victoria's Jubilee
(5) King George V's Coronation
(6) King George V's Jubilee
(7) King George VI's Coronation
(8) Officer of the Legion of Honour
(9) American DSM
(10) The Star and badge of the GCB
(11) Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society
(12) The Order of Merit
(13) The Star and badge of the GCVO
(14) The Polonia Restituta 1st Class
(15) Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian order of St Olav made by Spink London in 1942. Awarded to Dudley Pound in 1942.
(16) The Collar of the GCB.
During WWII Spink in London supplied the Norwegian Government with some additional St Olavs for the Norwegian Government in London.
Only very few were made, - and a lot fewer exist today. 12 were made of the Grand Cross badge - 4 are known today. Issued to high ranking officers of the WWII and they have probably been properly returned to the Norwegian Chancery. The 12 GC badges have a ring fixed at the top of the crown. These are the only pure Grand Cross Badges produces for St Olav order of Norway - as otherwise the Grand Cross Badge and the Commander Badge of the St Olav Order are identical badges.
WW II - 1942 St Olav Insignia by Spink & Son, Ltd. in London, England
On December 1, 1941 at the time of the German occupation of Norway, the Chancery of St. Olav placed an order for insignia to be made by Spink & Son, Ltd. in London. The Badge was made of silvergilt and enamel and the suspension loop was hallmarked "Spink & Son, Ltd". It was officially not issued with swords, despite being awarded during WW II. The badge is smaller compared to the Norwegian made 1937 issue in gold. The width of the crown is also slightly more narrow than the 1937 issue. One Knight Class 1 reportedly exists with two crossed swords in blue enamel under the crown.
St. Olavs manufactured by Spink & Son, Ltd. during WW II for the Chancellor:
Grand Cross Badge and Star 12 sets - 4 in private collection
Commander with Star (Class 1) 17 sets - 2 in private collection
Commander Class 2 31 sets - 3 in private collection
Knight Class 1 52 sets - 4 in private collection
Knight Class 2 6 sets - 2 in private collection
After the end of WW II in 1945, the insignia of the Order of St. Olav was once again manufactured by Court Jeweler J. Tostrup in Oslo, Norway.
St Olav Commander badge WW II made by Spink & Son, London
The Commander badge is made in two different sizes
Commander Class 1 and Class 2
Commander 1st class (same size as the Grand Cross Badge).
Size: width = 61 mm, height = 87.6 mm.
Manufacture: 17
Commander 2nd. Class:
Size width = 50.5 mm, height = 71.7 mm and weight = 40 grams.
Manufacture: 31
Knight Size weight = 36.6 and height = 52.4 mm
All insignia are made in silvergilt and enamel. Hallmarket on the reverse of the suspension loop: "Spink & Son, London"
-1958 Grand Cross/Commander badge-
Country : Norway
Order name : St Olav
Type/subset: Grand Cross/Commander Badge
Jeweller : Tostrup
J period : 1882-1982
Owner : Kongehuset.no
Awarded to :
Type : Civilian
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N997x
Date : 1958- model
The 1958 model has left the soft curvatures and has become more modern with squared features. It is made for a faster and cheaper production.