-1847 drawing from Statutes-

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Tracking # : N260x
Date       : 1847

This is a drawing from the official St Olav Order Statutes in 1847. This shows the slick Os in the center. It also indicates slick and smooth silver rays in the main body. Drawings and illustrations are not always identical to the real thing, but serve as a very good source of information. In this case the drawing comes from the official Statutes and as such is an official drawing of the St Olav Order of 1847.

-1847 drawing from Statutes-

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Tracking # : N202x
Date       : 1847

This is a drawing from the book of N. F. Leganger: 'Den Kongelige Norske St. Olavs Orden', 1913. This shows the slick Os in the center.

The Livrustkammaren in Stockholm claims that the first series of the St Olav orders where designed and made by Christian Hammer who was a very well known jeweller in Stockholm at that time. Everything regarding Swedish orders were made in Stockholm where the ruling King was living. As Norway had been under Sweden since 1814 then it is logical that the jewellers comes from Stockholm with it surroundings.

-1850 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 80 estimated
Width  (mm): 80 estimated
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : N272x
Date       : 1850

Little is known about the St Olav embroidered order.

-1847-1850 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N199x
Date       : 1847-1850

The book by Arvid Bergman (Nordiska Ordnar och Dekorationer) claims this is the first version of the St Olav Grand Cross Star. I belive the small Os are slick for all the first verions made for the start of awarding this order. This version here has decorated Os that probably came a bit later.

The photo is from this book.

-1847-1850 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N280x
Date       : 1850 estimated

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

-1856.06.16 Grand Cross Star-

Type       : Military
Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 66
Tracking # : N264xx
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)

Prince Lucien was made a Grand Cross relatively early in the history of the Order of Saint Olaf, created ten years earlier. He was then Senator, Prince and Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France. He had been colonel of the National Guard in the suburbs of Paris (3^e legion).

Two documents relating to our collection in the archives of Prince Lucien kept in the National Archives. First of all, the patent for « Storkors » (Grand Cross) of our ensemble, signed by King Oscar and dated June 16, 1856, and the letter of sending of the patent by Count Walewski dated January 16, 1857.

-1858 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 60
Tracking # : N226x
Date       : 1858.06.16 awarded

King Gustaf V of Sweden and Norway
Gustaf V (Oscar Gustaf Adolf; 16 June 1858 – 29 October 1950) was the King of Sweden from 8 December 1907 until his passing in 1950.
Let us delve into the decorations and orders that adorned his distinguished life:

- Order of the Seraphim (Serafimerorden):
This prestigious order, the highest in Sweden, graced Gustaf V. Its hallmark features a blue ribbon and a Maltese cross adorned with gold and white enamel. Reserved for royalty and select luminaries, the Order of the Seraphim symbolizes honor and service.

- Order of the Sword (Svenska Svardsorden):
Recognizing military merit, the Order of the Sword bestowed upon Gustaf V is characterized by a blue and yellow ribbon and a sword-shaped cross. His commitment to defense and valor earned him this distinction.

- Order of Vasa (Kungliga Vasaorden):
Named after the legendary King Gustav Vasa, this order, established in 1772, celebrates contributions to science, literature, and public service. Its green ribbon and white-enameled cross adorned Gustaf V, signifying intellectual and civic achievements.

- Royal Family Orders:
As a monarch, Gustaf V wore the Royal Family Orders—miniature portraits of family members set in diamonds. These intimate tokens symbolize familial bonds and loyalty within the royal lineage.

- Foreign Orders:
Beyond Swedens borders, Gustaf V received numerous foreign honors. Among them were the Order of the Garter (from the United Kingdom), the Order of the Elephant (from Denmark), and the Order of the Black Eagle (from Prussia).

- Medals and Commemorative Awards:
Gustaf Vs commitment extended beyond formal orders. His advocacy for sports, culture, and international relations earned him various medals and commemorative accolades.
Gustaf Vs legacy endures - a regal imprint etched into the annals of Swedish history.

Inventory number 1539 of the Livrustkammaren in Stockholm. Awarded to King Gustaf V. His family gave the order to the Livrustakammaren in 1951.

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

-1858 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 73
Width  (mm): 73
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : N460x
Date       : 1858 estimated

The small gold Os have closed crowns at the top.

-1860 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 76
Width  (mm): 76
Weight(gr) : 55.5
Tracking # : N111
Date       : 1860

This is Paired to the badge N049 and the collar N076. It was bought from a German auction at the end of the 1970s. The badge is made by Hammer. This star is probably a Hammer as well due to having been born by Prince Wilhelm. The jeweller Christian Hammer had a style and variation of his orders that could justify this. At the same time the backplate on the reverse is normally assumed to be Russian made. The set after Prince Wilhelm was among quite a few pieces that was sold by family through a dealer in Stockholm in the 1970s.

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

-1860 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 76
Width  (mm): 76
Weight(gr) : 55.5
Tracking # : N324x
Date       : 1860

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

-1860 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
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Tracking # : N963x
Date       : 1860 estimated

The small gold Os have closed crowns at the top.

Also the short cross bars go from the O to the dividing pillars in the middle of the Os. Two crossbars on each side for each O.  This 2-2 crossbar detail seems to be rarer than the more common 2-1 detail. 

-1860.07.25  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 74
Width  (mm): 74
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : N962x
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.

-1864 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N337x
Date       : 1864.11.05 awarded

This is a beautiful version of the St Olav Grand Cross Star. It is kept at the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm and luckily they have the box that contains the stamp of the great Christian Hammer. He has made a lot of beautiful orders and medals.

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

Johan August Hazelius (born on April 18, 1797, in Stockholm; died on April 28, 1871, in Stockholm) was a Swedish military officer, publicist, and politician. He is also known as the father of Artur Hazelius.

Let’s explore the life and accomplishments of this remarkable individual:

- Background and Upbringing:
Johan August Hazelius hailed from a typical bourgeois home. His father, Johan Hazelius (1758–1828), was a linen merchant, and his mother, Louise Dorothea Hazelius (1771–1850), was the daughter of a Stockholm merchant named Abraham Keijser.
As the fourth child in a family of eleven siblings, Johan began his journey at the Royal Military Academy in Karlberg in 1810. He later became a company officer and sub-lieutenant in the Survey Brigade of the Engineer Corps.
His association with Manhem Association and close friendship with C.J.L. Almquist influenced his political and military perspectives.

- Military and Scholarly Pursuits:
Hazelius’s military career included roles such as captain, major, and lieutenant colonel. He was involved in teaching tactics and strategy at various institutions.
In 1831, he established a private educational institution for young officers, where he authored all the textbooks.
Alongside his teaching responsibilities, Hazelius engaged in prolific military writing. He edited the Journal of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and became a leading figure within the academy.

- Exploration and Observations:
Between 1839 and 1841, Hazelius embarked on journeys across Denmark, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium. These travels, supported by the state, aimed to study military institutions, especially military education and topographical work. His observations during these travels were documented in the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences’ records.

- Later Years:
In 1843, Hazelius was appointed major in the army and began his political writing.
He held positions such as adjutant to King Oscar I, major in the Topographical Corps, and eventually colonel in the army.

His legacy extends beyond military matters, as he played a significant role in shaping Sweden’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

Johan August Hazelius’s multifaceted contributions left an indelible mark on Swedish society and scholarship

-1873 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 57
Tracking # : N228x
Date       : 1873

The small gold Os have open crowns at the top.

-1882 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N164x
Date       : 1882 prototype

-1882 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 85.5
Width  (mm): 85.5
Weight(gr) : 68
Tracking # : N177
Date       : 1882

Height (mm): 83.4
Width  (mm): 83
Weight(gr) : 61.7
Tracking # : N140
Date       : 1882

Paired with N139.

The small gold Os have closed crowns at the top.

-1898 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N326x
Date       : 1898.02.10 awarded

This is probably based on the change that happened in 1890. Jeweller Tostrup produced most of the orders for St Olav after 1882. In 1890 the Knight 2 of silver were introduced. And that apparently had some consequences that was bigger than just the iintroduction of the silver versions. According to stories going they tried to used the stampers for the gold versions to make the silver ones. It is said that this was to hard for the stampers used for gold and some of them broke. So for the Knights in gold there are two main types. The initial ones and the ones after 1890. It is the Os that suddenly becomes a lot thinner just like the silver ones. More documentation is needed for similar on the Grand Crosses and the Commanders.

The person awarded this set, Okunuma Shigenobu, was the 17th Prime Minister of Japan. You can see this set and many others on the GMIC website. https://gmic.co.uk/topic/56743-some-medals-of-okuma-shigenobu-17th-prime-minister-of-japan/page/1/

The small gold Os have closed crowns at the top.

Okuma Shigenobu (大隈 重信) was a Japanese statesman and a prominent member of the Meiji oligarchy. His life was marked by significant political and cultural contributions:

- Early Life and Education: Born on March 11, 1838, in Saga, Japan, he was the first son of Okuma Nobuyasu and Miiko.
His father was a samurai-class artillery officer of the Saga Domain, and the family held a 300 koku territory.
Ōkuma rebelled against the conventional education system, leading to his expulsion from the domain school.
He immersed himself in Dutch studies and became an advocate for the sonnō jōi movement, which aimed to expel Europeans from Japan.

-Influence of Western Thought:
During a trip to Nagasaki, Ōkuma met Guido Verbeck, a Dutch missionary who taught him English and provided him with copies of the New Testament and the American Declaration of Independence.
These works profoundly influenced his political thinking and fueled his support for abolishing the feudal system and establishing a constitutional government.

-Meiji Restoration and Political Career:
Ōkuma actively participated in the Meiji Restoration and advocated for mediation between rebels in Chōshū and the Tokugawa shogunate.
He played a pivotal role in recommending resignation to Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
His commitment extended to founding Waseda University and organizing the Rikken Dōshikai political party.

- Prime Ministerial Tenures: Ōkuma served as the second Prime Minister of the Empire of Japan in 1898 and again from 1914 to 1916.
His leadership bridged tradition and modernity, advocating for Western science and culture while navigating Japan’s political landscape.

Marquess Ōkuma Shigenobu’s legacy endures—a beacon of change and progress in Japan’s history.

-1906 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 165 estimated
Width  (mm): 165 estimated
Weight(gr) :
Tracking # : N227x
Date       : 1906.06.19 crowning

This Grand Cross Star was made for the Crowning of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway on 22 June 1906 at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. Embroidered Grand Cross Stars are very rare to Norway. The one shown here was from the Crowning Robe of Queen Maud which was exibited in Oslo in 2023. To the right you see King Haakon VII at the crowning in 1906. His robe is exhibited in Trondheim and it is very difficult to take a photo of that one. It is assumed that both of these Stars are of same size. From this photo we see that the silver main body is sewn with silver thread. The Gold Lion, the Os and the small globes are made of gold. The white arms looks like they are embroided as well.

There is a third one dated 1850 N272x is from the Norsk Folkemuseum. It looks that this is similarly made.

Arvid Berghman in his book 'Nordiska Ordnar och Dekorationer' (Malmø 1949) mention even another embroidered star that was produced. As a curiosity it is mentioned that the Chancelor in 1884 had a embroidered Grand Cross Star made. This was sent to the baptism of Prince Wilhelm.

Queen Maud of Norway (Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria; 26 November 1869 – 20 November 1938) held a significant place in Norwegian history as the wife of King Haakon VII. Let’s explore her life and legacy:

- Early Life and Education:
Born at Marlborough House, London, Maud was the third daughter and fifth child of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales. Her godparents included her paternal uncle Prince Leopold, Count Gleichen, and Crown Princess Louise of Denmark. As a tomboy, she was affectionately known as “Harry” within the royal family.

- Royal Connections and Travels:
Maud participated in annual visits to the Princess of Wales’s family gatherings in Denmark. She accompanied her mother and sisters on cruises to Norway and the Mediterranean. Maud was a bridesmaid at her aunt’s wedding in 1885 and her brother’s wedding in 1893.

- Honors and Titles:
Maud received the Imperial Order of the Crown of India from her grandmother, Queen Victoria. She held the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert (First Class) and was a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

- Queen of Norway:
Upon her marriage to King Haakon VII in 1896, Maud became Queen of Norway. Her reign witnessed significant changes, including the dissolution of the union with Sweden. Queen Maud was admired for her love of nature, animals, fashion, and interior design.

- Legacy:
Maud’s regal presence left an indelible mark on Norway’s history. Her burial took place at Akershus Castle, Oslo, Norway.

Queen Maud—a bridge between tradition and modernity, a symbol of grace and resilience.

-1906 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 79
Width  (mm): 79
Weight(gr) : 65
Tracking # : N100
Date       : 1906-1930 Kristiania model

-1906 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : N305x
Date       : 1906 model

King Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) held the throne of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as the title of Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until his passing in 1910. Let’s delve into the life of this influential monarch:

- Early Life and Education:
Born at Buckingham Palace, London, England, Edward was the second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Nicknamed “Bertie”, he was related to royalty across Europe.
During his mother’s reign, he was largely excluded from political influence and came to personify the fashionable, leisured elite.

- Marriage and Family:
In 1863, Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark, and the couple had six children.
As Prince of Wales, Edward traveled extensively throughout Britain, performing ceremonial public duties and representing Britain on foreign visits.
His tours of North America in 1860 and the Indian subcontinent in 1875 were popular successes, but his reputation as a playboy prince strained his relationship with his mother.

- Reign and Contributions:
Edward inherited the throne upon Queen Victoria’s death in 1901.
During his reign, he played a role in modernizing the British Home Fleet and reorganizing the British Army after the Second Boer War (1899–1902).
He reintroduced traditional ceremonies as public displays and expanded the range of people with whom royalty socialized.
Edward fostered good relations between Britain and other European countries, especially France, earning him the nickname “Peacemaker”.
However, his relationship with his nephew, German Emperor Wilhelm II, was strained.

- The Edwardian Era:
The Edwardian era, named after him, coincided with the start of a new century and witnessed significant changes in technology and society, including steam turbine propulsion and the rise of socialism.

Edward VII’s legacy endures—a monarch who navigated change, diplomacy, and progress.

-1912 Grand Cross Star-

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Tracking # : N342
Date       : 1912 model

-1925 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 79
Width  (mm): 79
Weight(gr) : 60.8
Tracking # : N172
Date       : 1925

-1930 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 79
Width  (mm): 79
Weight(gr) : 60.8
Tracking # : Nabc
Date       : 1930

-1942 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 84
Width  (mm): 84
Weight(gr) : 91
Tracking # : N150
Date       : 1942

During the Second World War, the Norwegian government operated from London, as the Norwegian mainland was occupied. After a period of time, the government required additional St. Olav orders to be used as awards during the war. A small order was dispatched to Spink in London, with a few units produced. The Grand Cross Star was manufactured in only 12 examples, of which 8 have been bestowed. Currently, only 4 are known to exist. The St Olav Grand Cross was primarily conferred upon high-ranking officers engaged in combat with the Allied forces.

The orders were crafted from gilt silver, bearing the Spink hallmark on the reverse of the silver body..

-1958 Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 79.3
Width  (mm): 79.3
Weight(gr) : 85.1
Tracking # : N107
Date       : 1958 model

This item is paired with GC Badge N016.

In 1958, the St Olav orders underwent a change to achieve cost savings. The gold pieces were now made in silver gilt, and the crowned Os was made into a more squared-shaped Os, which is more noticeable on the badges and knights.

Please be aware that there appears to be a drilled hole in the gold lion situated between the front legs and the handle of the axe..