Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, Grand Cross Star, Christian Version consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac dated August 13

dated August 13

- 22nd NOV

exhibiting scuffing on the bottom

Footnote: Ernest John Brace was born on October 7

Three months later

Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, Grand Cross Star, Christian Version consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac dated August 13(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Four piece construction, insignia in silver with red enamels, mounted to a silver eight pointed star base, each star pont with five emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, maker marked "BK" (Braa Knaus, Zagreb) and hallmarked with a Croatian goose flanked by a "III' at the left and an "A" at the right on the pin, inscribed "10. IV. ZA ZASLUGE 1942" on the reverse, measuring 85 mm (w) x