Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Cross Star For Christians, C.1942 Auction the middle disk illustrating a

the middle disk illustrating a tank upon a wreath on the obverse

each hole with forest green painted metal eyelets

(Pour le Mérite in Gold mit Eichenlaub)

defeating and sinking the Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama

Type II (1887-1943) (in bronze gilt

Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Cross Star For Christians, C.1942 Auction the middle disk illustrating a(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Four piece construction, cross insignia in silver with red enamels, the cross indicating an award to Christians, inscribed "10. IV. ZA ZASLUGE 1942" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 86. 3 mm (w) x 85. 7 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and was awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate