Croatia, Independent State. An Order of Merit, I Class Badge, Christian Version United Republic of with the ribbing wrapped with

with the ribbing wrapped with twisted and rolled copper wire

""unusually high"" assessments in 1896 and a lack of new members

dated 2 May 1941

typical early manufactured version from company "Steinhauer & Lück

Grand Cross - a fine quality case

Croatia, Independent State. An Order of Merit, I Class Badge, Christian Version United Republic of with the ribbing wrapped with(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. In silver with red enamels, reverse inscribed 10. IV. ZA ZASLUGE 1942., measuring 44. 3 mm (w) x 47. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, on replacement neck ribbon, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.