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It should be mentioned that these Vasa Grand Cross Stars are quite rare considering they have been awarded about once a year for some hundred years. 

Please enjoy!

-1772  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S306x
Date       : 1772 drawing
Knight #   : 

The order shown above is an illustration found in Robert Sødermark's 'Kungl. Svenska Riddareordnarna" published in 1907. It is added here in order to assist in the understanding of the development of the Wasa Order. The drawing looks very strict as if it were made of metal and not of a softer material. Also notice the slightly slim centre piece as seen in the embroidered ones at the time.

-1772  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S629x
Date       : 1772 print
Knight #   : 

Fried De Derichs Del Holmiae Ao 1772 official drawing at Livrustkammaren. This drawing also shows the official 1772 versions. The same circular thread patterns on the arms.Again this pattern is seen of item S440x that the arms are made of sequins sewn circularly onto the arms.

-1772  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S440x
Date       : 1772 estimated
Knight #   : 

This example of the Wasa Grand Cross Star belongs today to the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm, Sweden. Historic notes says that the famous artist Johan Tobias Sergel owned it from 1760 to 1814. He was awarded the Knight of the Wasa on 22. August 1782, but never received a higher level of the Wasa order himself. However his father and his daughters were busy makers of the textile stars of the Swedish orders. So this may be a reason for a mistaken identification. Also note that the thread used on the four large arms looks like what is seen on the drawings for the originals. However this pattern is due to the fixation of the regular sequins pattern on the arms.

-1748-18xx  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S310x
Date       : 1748-18xx
Knight #   : 

-1780  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S439x
Date       : 1780 estimated
Knight #   : 

The center piece, the Vasa, is very narrow and very long on this item. Looks a bit more primitive and also smoother surfaces than the ones made by Sergel in item S440x. The arms are now with 2 triangular areas compared to the very early ones that had the circular pattern.

-1790  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S304x
Date       : 1790 estimated
Knight #   : 

This reference is from the book of Ernst E. Areen and Sten Lewenhaupt 'De Nordiska Landernas Riddarordnar' 1942.The central Vasa piece has very straight vertical sequences. Also the bands crossing in the middle is made of sequins. It looks very nice and clean, unfortunately the quality of the photo printed in 1942 is very limited. Hopefully one can get hold of the original in high resolution in order to highlight the details even more. The silver thread is placed very smooth and systematic on the piece.

-1798.11.28  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 104
Width  (mm): 104
Weight(gr) : 15.2
Tracking # : S226x
Date       : 1798.11.28 awarded
Knight #   : 

This Grand Cross Star was awarded to Vice Admiral Fredric Henric Chapman in 1798.
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman (born 9 September 1721 in Gothenburg – died 19 August 1808) was a Swedish shipbuilder, scientist and officer in the Swedish navy. He was also manager of the Karlskrona shipyard 1782-1793. Chapman is credited as the worlds first person to apply scientific methods to shipbuilding and is considered to be the first naval architect.

It is signed by Reg. E. Fehrman who produced the item. Her full name is Regina Elisabeth Fehrman (born 9 January 1757 - died 25 June 1837). She was the daughter of Anna Sibylla Sergel who was the daughter of Christopher Sergel who again was the producer of the first stars of the Swedish orders at the early times! Regina produced these between 1780 to 1820.

The order shown here is made of silver thread and silk. KVO 17861001; KmstkVO 17981126 RSO 17720528.
Skeppsbyggmästaren och varvsamiralen Fr. H. af Chapman iförd uniform med ordnar. Chapman f. 9/9 1721 d. 19/8 1808. Porträttet är målat då Chapman var 87 år dvs 1808.

-1800  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 160
Width  (mm): 160
Weight(gr) : 28
Tracking # : S662x
Date       : 1800 estimated
Knight #   : 

The Star of the Commander with the Great Cross of the Order of Vasa, Sweden ca 1800

Description.

Swedish: Maltese cross embroidered with silver lances, cantils and sequins. Between the cross arms, Holstein nettle leaves made of silver thread, lances and cantils. A crowned vase of silver thread and sequins is attached to the vertical arms of the cross, and a silver lance is attached to the crown ring.

The reverse covered with a white paper.

Date circa 1800

Medium silver (O - ORDNAR, material: silver) - paper (O - ORDNAR, material: paper)

Dimensions

Weight: 28 g (0.99 oz)

Width: 160 mm (6.29″)

-1800-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S305x
Date       : 1800-1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

This item comes from the book of Ernst E. Areen and Sten Lewenhaupt 'De Nordiska Landernas Riddarordnar' 1942 and shows early examples of metal stars. The timing is assumed in the period between 1800-1850. The first hallmarked metal ones that has been seen is from 1817. This have the caracteristics from the ones embroidered with silver thread. The central piece is shorter and also it is has a nice soft shape. Again a better photo taken of the real piece would be valuable for this historic view.

-1817  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 97
Width  (mm): 99
Weight(gr) : 51
Tracking # : S430
Date       : 1817
Knight #   : 

Grand cross star in silver - very old metal Wasa order! This item actually contain a makers mark to verify the date of production. It is Jeweller Henrik Christoffer Klint (1773-1832) in Stockholm that made this very nice piece in 1817. It is marked with year code L3. This item is very valuable to correlate real timelines. The low horizontal band across the central Vasa seems to be in one smooth band. Very dense short lines around the big arms.

-1820  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S167x
Date       : 1820 estimated
Knight #   : 

From KMO exhibition at the Swedish Royal Castle spring 2006.

-1820  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 80
Width  (mm): 80
Weight(gr) : 37
Tracking # : S200xx
Date       : 1820 estimated
Knight #   : 

Audap & Associes, Paris, France Auction 23 October 2019.
8 columns of balls wide arms instead of normally 10. Unusual fixation of the two main parts in the back. This is also seen at Seraphimer star by Jeweller Isaac Malmborg. Then you are in the 1820s.
The main fixation has also been found on other Swedish orders like S543x and they are assumed from the 1820s.

-1820  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 77
Width  (mm): 82
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S691x
Date       : 1820 estimated
Knight #   : 

This is a great example for this website. The front picture to the left provide a nice clean shot of this Grand Cross Star. Looking at many similar ones made out of silver thread, silver sequins, etc there is normally a nice smooth leather surface of the reverse. If one is lucky it might even show the signature of the person who made the star. Obviously here the leather back is missing. This allows us to see the intricate way normal thread has been used to be able to put this together into a beautiful Grand cross Star with leather backing. Think of the work that has gone into making one of these! Real old style craftmanship made a couple of hundred years ago. I wonder how long it would take to make just one.

-1820-1840  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 92 
Width  (mm): 92
Weight(gr) : 61
Tracking # : S312x
Date       : 1820-1840 estimated
Knight #   : 

This item belongs to the Royal Armoury. The date is assumed to be the early 1800s.

This is assumed to be foreign made as it does not carry the typical Swedish production characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION Insignia for Commander with Grand Cross of the Order of Vasa.

NAME Inscription: Gustav III of Sweden

Owner: Adam Ludvig Carl Lewenhaupt (Person does not really fit in in history here, I believe)

Donor: Hedvig Sofia Lewenhaupt, née Möller

DATE Early 19th century

OTHER KEYWORDS Order insignia kraschan kmstk

COLLECTION Livrustkammaren

INVENTORY NUMBER 527 (45:4)

MATERIAL silver [flinching] gold silver [flinching] enamel gold silver [flinching]

TECHNIQUE flinching

DIMENSIONS Width: 92 mm Weight: 61 g

INSCRIPTIONS

GUSTAF THE THIRD INSTITUTOR MDCCLXXII

-1820-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 89
Width  (mm): 89
Weight(gr) : 75
Tracking # : S381x
Date       : 1820-1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

Star for Grand Cross of the Order of Vasa,

Maltese cross in engraved silver, border of square, faceted pearls, balls on the tips are missing. Between the arms of the cross, Holstein nettle leaves in silver with a matt punched surface. Above the vertical cross arms is a crowned vase in the shape of a sheaf of wheat. On the back is a vertically placed safety pin and two hooks.

Dimensions
Weight: 75 g (2.65 oz)
width: 89 mm (3.50 in)
Collection
Royal Armoury Blue pencil.svg wikidata:Q1636176
Accession number
LRK 526
Object history Adam (Ludvig Carl) Lewenhaupt (Överstekammarherre, 1861-) Sverige
Source LSH 78259 (LN_B09269_012149)

-1829.08.31  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 94
Width  (mm): 94
Weight(gr) : 53
Tracking # : S314x
Date       : 1829.08.31 hallmark
Knight #   : 

This was awarded to Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1779-1848) on 31st August 1829.

Berzelius was one of the people that has increased our knowledge of chemistry. He discovered among others Thorium, Silicon, Selenium and Cerium.

This Wasa Grand Cross Star was made by Johan Petter Grönvall in Stockholm in 1829. His hallmark is on the back with IPG, S:t Erik, three crowns and the year code Y3 (=1829). The collar of the Commander with the Great Cross of the Order of Vasa, Sweden.

Maker: Johan Petter Grönvall Owner: Elisabet Berzelius b. Poppius Owner: Jöns Jakob Berzelius Owner: Statens historiska museum MADE IN Stockholm, Sweden DATING 1829 Awarded 31. 1ugust 1829 OTHER KEYWORDS order Star kmstk COLLECTION Livrustkammaren INVENTORY NUMBER 523 (26:197) Stamps on reverse: IPG, S:t Erik, three crowns, Y3 (=1829) (Johan Petter Grönvall, Stockholm 1829). Vertically placed double safety pin.

-1830-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 83
Width  (mm): 83
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S309x
Date       : 1830-1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

Owned by Armemuseum Sweden today. Came as a gift from jeweller CF Carlman in 1903.

Holes look like they are drilled at random by hand. The crown looks a bit foreign - i.e.maybe not Swedish.

A Maltese cross made of faceted silver beads with split arms and ending in faceted balls.

Parallel to the outer lines of the cross arms run narrow silver ends. The whole of the arms of the cross are silvered.

Above the cross in raised work a stylised sheaf of grain (vase) and a royal crown, all in silver.

-1840-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 124
Width  (mm): 124
Weight(gr) : 108
Tracking # : S311x
Date       : 1840-1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

Owner Livrustkamaren
The top Vasas are a bit mixed. Very narrow bottom of crown.
Long thin arms. Big size - 124 mm. Foreign maker?

-1840-1860  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 84
Width  (mm): 84
Weight(gr) : 10
Tracking # : S474x
Date       : 1840-1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

The costume Star of the Commander with the Great Cross of the Order of Vasa, Sweden, mid-19th century - Livrustkammaren - 597.tif

-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 260.3
Width  (mm): 248.2
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S201x
Date       : 1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

S201x and item S205x have similarities like the large front Vasa item. These were produced in the period when the awarded person got one embroidered item from the Chancery, and one silver item had to be purchased by the awarded person. This looks a bit different from the standard Swedish made ones.

-1850  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75.4
Width  (mm): 76.4
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S205x
Date       : 1850 estimated
Knight #   : 

'Walls' between silver diamonds in arms. Large Vasa front figure. A different (early?) connection between arms. And one large multipunch main body.

-1850-1860  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 73
Width  (mm): 74
Weight(gr) : 45.7
Tracking # : S056
Date       : 1850-1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

Several variations of the Vasa is made between 1800 and 1900. No hallmarks unfortunately.
This Wasa Grand Cross star type was probably awarded between 1850 and 1860. 13 Grand crosses were awarded during this period.

-1850-1860  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 82
Width  (mm): 81
Weight(gr) : 58.7
Tracking # : S296
Date       : 1850-1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

Unfortunately the crown is missing on top centre piece of this. There is one specific issue with this that I have not seen on any other Wasa Grand Cross Star. A 'wall' is located between the silver balls radiating out from the centre of the longer arms typically of jeweller Christian Hammer. The smaller arms between the longer arms have a smiliar look which is not common to the Wasa Grand Cross Stars. Please note that there are no 'walls' between the balls on the smaller arms. The larger arms have 8 rows of balls radiating out from the center per arm. Normally the Wasa have 10 rows.
On the reverse one also see that this one has a double needle. Actually very sharp needles.
Again one is tempted to classify this as a piece made by jeweller Christian Hammer. The samme walled effects are seen on other stars from Norway and Sweden made by Hammer. But it could of course be a lookalike.
This Wasa Grand Cross star type was estimated to be produced between 1850 and 1860. 13 Grand crosses were awarded during this period.
This Grand Cross Star was sold by Morton & Eden Ltd in 2015.

-1850-1860  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 78
Width  (mm): 78
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S299x
Date       : 1850-1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

The pieces between the longer arms are of a very different layout. Looking more closely at the the other details there are a couple of significant differences from other models from jeweller Carlman that produced most of these models. However there are a few early models of this Grand Cross Star that have similarities. On this one can see that the penetrating holes from the back are very uneven which could indicate a time of production to about 1850-1860. The ones that later has similar longer arms do have more rounded pattern while these are more like a squared pattern. Looking at the outer end of the arm one sees that the edge does not follow the squared pattern in detail. It actually has a smooth wavy edge. Finally if one look at the cross and globe at the top one see the there is a horizontal band going across on the middle of the globe and one band from the centre of the globe up to the cross. This is a typical jeweller Christian Hammer look on other orders. Based on these differences I would say Hammer has made this piece. A beautiful item!
The center piece of the Wasa has less detail than what one see normally for the husk section. The needle on the back is a long type.

-1851.09.04  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 72
Width  (mm): 72
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S308x
Date       : 1851.09.04 awarded
Knight #   : 

From Armemuseet. Long needle.

Awarded to Olof Wijk (9.10.1786-4.2.1856) on 4.9.1851.

-1858  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S428x
Date       : 1858 book
Knight #   : 

Print from 'The Book of Orders' by Sir Bernard Burke, London, 1858 Table 11 Plate 92

-1859  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm):
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S604x
Date       : 1859 estimated book
Knight #   : 

-1860  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 76
Width  (mm): 76
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S135x
Date       : 1860 estimated
Knight #   : 

Photo from Graf Klenau Auction 8. Juni 1974.
Russian made Vasa Grand Cross Star about 1860.

-1860-1870  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 82
Width  (mm): 82
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S697x
Date       : 1860-1870 estimated
Knight #   : 

This was sold at Probus Autioner I Stockholm on 15.11.2021. For sale for 2 500 Euros
This was made by Hammer of Stockholm. Item S232X is a drawing of his brillianted Wasa Grand Cross star and such is quite similar to this S697x star.

-1862  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S232x
Date       : 1862 Brillianted GC Star
Knight #   : 

Note says: "C.H--62 (Christian Hammer 1862?) The above Wasa Grand cross Star is ordered by the Minister m.m. Lagerstråle to be paid by the government and to be given to Colonel Friherre Erikson. 30th March 1863"
Friherre Nils Ericson was awarded the Grand Cross Set in 4th October 1858. He was given a brillianted Wasa grand cross star in 1862. The brillianted order was a gift from the King and should not be returned. https://sok.riksarkivet.se/sbl/mobil/Artikel/15351
The drawing/design of the brillianted Vasa Grand Cross Star is shown up to the left.

-1866-1919  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 77
Width  (mm): 77
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S537x
Date       : 1866-1919 model
Knight #   : 

Very narrow bottom of large crown. An estimate for a more precise date - 1880s.
https://www.mortonandeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/74.pdf
Small crown.

-1870-1919  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 74
Weight(gr) : 64.6
Tracking # : S103
Date       : 1870-1919 model
Knight #   : 

Very nice condition. Proof - white matt surfaces between long arms and also in the central Vasa section. The main body is shining nicely in the metal cuts. Big crown very flat on top and also very wide at bottom. Very powerful and large central Vasa and big handles.
This Wasa Grand Cross star type was awarded between 1866 and 1920. 124 Grand crosses were awarded during this period.

-1870-1919  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 82
Width  (mm): 82
Weight(gr) : 68.5
Tracking # : S779x
Date       : 1870-1919 model
Knight #   : 

Lot n ° 556 Estimate : 600 - 700 €
SWEDEN: VASA ORDER, Grand Cross or Grand Officer of the second type, in silver worked in diamond spikes, fixation by pin. 82 mm. TBE .
SARL COTOT and ASSOCIES
May 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m
21,000 Dijon, France
The front looks like the standard 1871-1919 model. Lookiong at the recerse one sees the drilled holes are located a little bit random so one can assume this is an early example of the version. One important observation is the top part of the sections between the main arms of this Grand Cross. This is the first time one see that a piece of the metal is inserted at top of each of the sections between the arms. This has not been reported before. If it had been a repair because of a doamage then they would normally been looking like the standard one, and a repair would also be to one of the sections due to a damage. However here it is consistent and you can see these inserted pieces does not have the exact same dimentions as the on the main body of the Star. The Wasa Grand Cross Star is very rare as it has only been awarded less than 300 times during the 250 years of history.

-1870-1919  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 76
Width  (mm): 77
Weight(gr) : 68.8
Tracking # : S046
Date       : 1870-1919 model
Knight #   : 

This front of this star is of Proof quality! Superb matt frosted surfaces and shiny cuts. Unfortunately no hallmarks are found on the star. Corresponding badge: CFC 18K. (i.e. Carlman made badge). Set with item no S302. 1871-1919: 122 Grand Cross awarded.

-1897.05.15  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 67
Tracking # : S814x
Date       : 1897.05.15 awarded
Knight #   : 

-1897.05.15  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 81
Width  (mm): 81
Weight(gr) : 59
Tracking # : S315x
Date       : 1897.05.15 awarded
Knight #   : 

DESCRIPTION Star with the Great Cross of the Order of Vaasa, model from the late 1870s - 1919.

DATING 1897-05-15 COLLECTION Livrustkammaren INVENTORY NUMBER 532 (25:30)

Also Known As: ‘Claës’ Birthdate: August 10, 1838 Birthplace: Lydinge, Stavby (C), Sweden

Death: June 25, 1925 (86) Stockholm

Small crown.

-1897.09.18  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 78
Width  (mm): 78
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S536x
Date       : 1897.09.18 awarded
Knight #   : 

Awarded to Frederik Knut Harald Strømfelt 18th September 1897. It is very similar to the Carlman made pieces of this period. However there are a few smaller issues. On the pieces between the longer arms there are normally 4 lines at the bottom of the centre part. This seems to vary a bit on this one. In addition the top globe of the center piece with the cross on top has this assumed Christian Hammer band across the globe and up to the cross. This is long after Hammer's time of producing, but still it could be an old one being awarded, a later mixup or just that one has taken a centre piece from a Hammer piece and added to the Carlman body.
The central segment of the piece between the longer arms seems to stop high up from the centre. Hammer apple on top of crown.

Smaller crown.

Other awards: RCXIII:sO 1894-02-05 KmstkVO 1897-09-18 RNO 1876-12-01 KVO1kl 1888-07-09

-1923.06.06  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 75
Width  (mm): 75
Weight(gr) : 71.6
Tracking # : S009
Date       : 1923.06.06 awarded
Knight #   : 

Take note of the very narrow hollow crown with small globes sticking up in the openings. Rounded crown and very narrow at bottom. This was produced in the period 1871 to 1919, and awarded in 1923. Maybe been awarded earlier or just been awarded very late?

-1934  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 74
Width  (mm): 74
Weight(gr) : 87.9
Tracking # : S696
Date       : 1934 (H8) Hallmarked
Knight #   : 

This is the 1915-1954 model of this Grand Cross Star.
Paired with S697. Year H8=1934. Paired with S698

-1954  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 83
Width  (mm): 84
Weight(gr) : 55.6
Tracking # : S307
Date       : 1954 hallmarked
Knight #   : 

This star has the hallmark CFC D9 = 1954. This is the 1951 to 1975 model when only 27 Wasa order Grand Cross stars were awarded. A very low main crown located on top of the Vasa. 
Star S307: CFC D9 = 1954. Badge S037: CFC 18K K9=1960

-1955  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 90.3
Width  (mm): 90
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S200x
Date       : 1955 estimated
Knight #   : 

Instituted in 1772. Type VI (1951-1975) with flat cross arm fields.  Crowned sheaf insignia in silver, mounted to a silver Maltese cross base, the eight points on the cross finished with ball finials, with a silver nettle leaf emblem between all four arms, measuring 90.3 mm (w) x 90 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, very light contact, near extremely fine.

-1990  Grand Cross Star-

Height (mm): 
Width  (mm): 
Weight(gr) : 
Tracking # : S795x
Date       : 1990 estimated
Knight #   : 

This is called a Sporrong Replacement order.