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Badge of Merit
(Svärdtecknet)

Order of the Sword

Sweden

1748-2025

The Badge of Merit is a military decoration belonging to the Order of the Sword, which was established on 26 June 1850 by Oscar I. The Badge of Merit was created along with the Sword Medal on the same day as a new class within the Order of the Sword. It was awarded to non-commissioned officers in the Army and Navy who had demonstrated exceptional service. Originally designated for non-commissioned officers, it was later expanded to include civilian soldiers from 1896 onwards. Recipients of the Badge are referred to as swordsmen.The Badge's design draws parallels with the knightly badge of the Order of the Sword, though its cross arms are not enamelled in gold, but silver. It shares the same Latin motto, 'Pro Patria', meaning 'For the Fatherland'.
 
Following the reform of the Order in 1975, the Sword Badge was no longer awarded. However, with the introduction of the Reward Reform in 2023, a new set of statutes for the Order of the Sword was established, paving the way for the reintroduction of the Sword Badge.

Please enjoy!

-1850  Badge of Merit-

Country    : Sweden
Order name : Sword
Type/subset: Badge of Merit - Svärdtecknet
Jeweller   : Carlman
J period   : 1875-2014
Owner      : Künker
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S994x
Date       : 1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

 

KINGDOM OF SWEDEN Royal Order of the Sword (Kungliga Svärdsorden) (1748). The second model was issued from 1772 to 1975 and features a sword cross with swords (since 1850). This version (with a gold obverse medallion) was made by the company C. F. Carlman in Stockholm. It is made of silver and the obverse medallion is enamelled in gold. It is without hallmark and is on a ribbon with a pin. It is in the original award case from Carlman.BWK4 258; ZK2 3424.

-1860  Badge of Merit-

Country    : Sweden
Order name : Sword
Type/subset: Badge of Merit - Svärdtecknet
Jeweller   : Carlman
J period   : 1875-2014
Owner      : Künker
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S995x
Date       : 1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

 

KINGDOM OF SWEDEN Royal Sword Order [Kungliga Svärdsrorden] (1748). 2nd model (1772-1975), sword badge [svärdstecknet] (from 1850), 2nd issue (with silver(!), enamelled obverse medallion, swords and reverse medallion not enamelled), probably made around 1860, silver partially enamelled, on original old pentagonal ribbon clasp with pin. BWK4 -.

RR II Copy of our auction 253 on 4 October 2014, cat. no. 1338.

-1870  Badge of Merit-

Country    : Sweden
Order name : Sword
Type/subset: Badge of Merit
Jeweller   : 
J period   : 
Owner      : 
Awarded to : 

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S938x
Date       : 1870 estimated
Knight #   :