Sweden Badge of the Order Of Vasa in Gold ND (1954) - Commander

Sweden Badge of the Order Of Vasa in Gold ND (1954) - Commander
26.97g. 83x55mm. 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, D9 - 1954. 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 short part of neck green ribbon. Type II. Instituted on 29 May 1772 by King Gustav III, the Royal Order of Vasa (Kungliga Vasaorden) was established to recognize service to the Swedish state and society, particularly in the fields of agriculture, mining, commerce, crafts, and industry. It was named after the House of Vasa, the royal dynasty founded by Gustav Vasa, whose emblem—a golden sheaf of wheat—symbolized the prosperity of the nation and the virtues of productive labor. Unlike other Swedish royal orders reserved for the nobility, clergy, or military officers, the Order of Vasa was open to all citizens, rewarding merit and achievement irrespective of social rank or birth. Following the 1974 reform of Sweden’s honors system, the order became dormant, along with the Order of the Sword, while the Orders of the Seraphim and the Polar Star remained active only for foreigners and members of the royal family. In 2022, the Riksdag passed a law re-establishing the Swedish orders for national recipients, and since 1 February 2023, the Orders of Vasa and Sword have once again been awarded to Swedish citizens. The first investiture in modern times took place on 21 March 2024, with recipients including the members of ABBA. The insignia consists of a white-enameled Maltese cross, with a central medallion bearing a golden sheaf on a black field, surrounded by a red enamel ring inscribed “Gustaf III Instiktare 1772” (“Instituted by Gustaf III, 1772”), and surmounted by a royal crown. Between the arms of the cross appear small crowns. The ribbon of the Order is green, reflecting its association with agriculture and fertility. The Order comprises five classes: Commander Grand Cross - badge on sash or collar with star on chest; Commander 1st Class - neck badge with star; Commander - neck badge; Knight 1st Class - badge on chest ribbon; Knight - badge on chest ribbon. Today, the Royal Order of Vasa represents Sweden’s traditional civil distinction for achievements in economic, scientific, and cultural advancement, reaffirming Gustav III’s Enlightenment ideal of rewarding merit and national contribution.