Sweden Badge of the Order of the North (Polar) Star (Kungliga Nordstjärneorden) in Gold ND (middle 20th c.) - Commander

Sweden Badge of the Order of the North (Polar) Star (Kungliga Nordstjärneorden) in Gold ND (middle 20th c.) - Commander
Total weight with strap 39.08g. ca 79х55mm. Gold. Au 0.750 (18K). Slight traces of wear. Hallmarks: The National three crowns (Tre Kronor), maker "CFC" (C.F. Carlman, Stockholm) and "18K" on the edge of the ray. Manufactured by C.F. CARLMAN, Stockholm. With original case of issue, red and black patterned paper exterior, inside lid in white satin, maker marked "C.F. CARLMAN STOCKHOLM", base with a raised platform incorporating a red felt fitted insert and neck black ribbon. Type II with Ball Finials. Instituted on 23 February 1748 by King Frederick I, together with the Orders of the Sword and of the Seraphim, the Royal Order of the Polar Star (Nordstjärneorden) was created to reward civil merit - devotion to duty, service to the Crown, as well as achievements in science, literature, and public institutions. Its motto, “Nescit Occasum” (“It knows no decline”), symbolizes Sweden as a constant and never-setting star. The insignia consists of a white-enameled Maltese cross with a blue central medallion bearing a five-pointed star and the motto, surmounted by a royal crown. The order’s ribbon is traditionally black, chosen to contrast with the white, blue, and gold cross; between 1975 and 2023, however, it was changed to blue with yellow edge stripes, before the original black ribbon was reinstated. The Order comprises five classes: Commander Grand Cross (KmstkNO) - badge on sash with breast star; Commander 1st Class (KNO1kl) - neck badge with star; Commander (KNO) - neck badge; Knight 1st Class (RNO1kl) - badge on chest ribbon; Knight (RNO) - badge on chest ribbon.Originally awarded to both Swedish and foreign recipients for civil achievements, the Order was restricted to foreigners after 1975 but reopened to Swedish citizens in 2023, alongside the reinstatement of the Orders of the Sword and of Vasa.Today, the Royal Order of the Polar Star remains one of Sweden’s principal state honors, symbolizing enlightened service and enduring loyalty to the nation.