Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class, Christian Version, C.1942 certificate_of_authenticity 7 mm (h) ribbon bar

7 mm (h) ribbon bar with pinback

keenness and devotion to duty and does not spare himself in directing

marked “181” with a miniature national eagle on the rim

marked "65" (Klein & Quenzer)

soiled white cotton mesh backer

Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class, Christian Version, C.1942 certificate_of_authenticity 7 mm (h) ribbon bar(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. In silver with red enamels, measuring 44 mm (w) x 47. 7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, on an original narrow version 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.