1. Order of Prince Pribina - Grand Officer’s Set of the Military Class. Neck Badge, 75x53 mm., in gilt Silver with polished arms formed as groups of four dagger-shaped beams, flanked by deep-sea blue enameled stylized mounts and rising double crosses, centre medallion with bust of the prince facing left within beaming outer circlet and blue enameled border, the reverse centre medallion depicting an archaic church within the motto “SAECULO NONO INSTANTE FUNDAVIT”, also within beaming outer circlet and blue enameled border, hinged crossed swords and laurel wreath and suspension ring (struck with marks to the reverse), original neck ribbon (frail). Breast Star, 90 mm., Silver with strong, faceted rays flanked by stylized arrow-tails, the centre as the badge of the order, but of reduced size, in gilt silver and deep-sea blue enameled details, within gilt silver-bordered, geometrical frame, flanked by silver, crossed swords, concave reverse with two nuts retaining the obverse and a scratched number “1409”, horizontal, strong round pin, struck with “987” and “K” marks. A most rare set of the order, excellent condition. 2. Order of the War Victory Cross - Third Class Badge, 52x35 mm., Silver with blue enameled double cross (lime leaves visible through the translucent enamel), sided by two groups of three lime leaves each and resting on a star of thin, polished beams, smooth reverse with frosted finish, strong, vertical pin, this, struck with “987” and “K” marks, together, two screwback (the nut, missing) ribbon miniatures, 12x20 mm each, in Silver, with enameled, Slovakian coat of arms.
An extremely rare piece of this order, excellent condition. Note: This Order, was Slovakia’s third highest award, awarded for exceptional military merits. In all, it saw 3.769 awards of all classes, of which 437 were to members of the German Wehrmacht and 142 to Romanian Officers. 3. Promotion’s Badge of the French “Ecole Superieur de Guerre” of Paris, of the type awarded to foreign officers, Silver oval badge with vertical, winged staff and arrow tipped lightnings pointing down, intertwined with “ESG” and a cock’s head on top, the upper border, with inscription “REPUBLIC FRANCAISE”, concave reverse, officially engraved CAPITAINE DAVIDESCO RADO 45e PROMOTION 923-1925” and the maker’s mark of Falize, Paris,
vertical pin with sliding, safety-closure. A very rare badge, awarded between 1919 and 1939 in ca. 500 pieces. Provenance: the estate of Col. Radu Davidescu, Chief of the Military Cabinet of Rumania’s Conducator, Marshal Antonescu. An extraordinary group, of high historical importance, of one of the leaders of Romania during the 2nd WW. I RR!