Romania - Order of the Star of Romania, Type II, Civilian Division, I Class Cross Breast Star (Ordinul Steaua României, Tip II, Divizia Civilă, Clasa I - Steaua de Piept cu Cruce)
General Information
Country: Romania
Award Name: Order of the Star of Romania (Ordinul Steaua României)
Type: Type II (1932-1947)
Division: Civilian Division
Class: I Class Cross Breast Star (Highest Rank in the Civilian Division)
Period of Issue: 1937 - 1947 (Only awarded during this timeframe)
Dimensions: 83.62 mm x 83.70 mm
Markings: Unmarked (which is consistent with some official issues of this period)
The Order of the Star of Romania was originally envisioned in 1863 under Alexander Ioan Cuza, but was officially established in 1877 by Prince Carol I, who later became King Carol I. This I Class Breast Star represents the highest civilian honor awarded in pre-communist Romania.
Design Features
Overall Construction:
Large four-pointed breast star, designed to be worn on formal attire.
Features a central enameled cross with cypher of King Carol I (Charles I), reinforcing Romania’s national identity.
Obverse Details:
The center medallion features the inscription "IN FIDE SALUS", translating to “Salvation through Faith”.
The cross arms are enameled in blue, with gilded cypher of King Carol I (Charles I), founder of the order, is prominently displayed in the center., a unique feature of Type II awards.
Reverse Details:
The back of the star is smooth with a vertical pinback system for attachment.
No manufacturer markings, which is consistent with some official wartime issues from 1937-1947.
Historical and Collectible Significance
A Rare & Prestigious Award:
The I Class Cross Breast Star was only awarded from 1937-1947, making it one of the rarest and most distinguished versions of the order.
Reserved for high-ranking officials, diplomats, and individuals of significant merit in Romanian society.
Historical Context:
Originally awarded during Romania’s royal period, before the abolition of the monarchy in 1947.
Following the communist takeover, the order was suppressed until its reinstatement in 1998.
Variations & Military Connections:
The Civilian Division lacks the crossed swords motif, which was a feature of Military Division awards.
The Military Division also had special clasps, such as oak leaves (1943-1947) for acts of bravery and a star clasp (1944-1947) for additional distinction.
The Order of the Star of Romania, Type II, Civilian Division, I Class Cross Breast Star (1937-1947) is a highly prestigious and historically significant decoration. As one of the rarest forms of the order, it represents the pinnacle of civilian honors in pre-communist Romania.