Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion II Class, Civil Division, by Karnet & Kysely, Cased

Czechoslovakia, Republic. Order of the White Lion (Rad Bileho lva), II Class badge, Civil Division. In silver gilt with red, blue and black enamels: a five-armed red-enamelled cross with ball finials and a gilt leaf in each angle, the obverse centre with the rampant lion, the reverse arms each bearing a different Czechoslovak emblem in multicoloured enamels around a central "CSR" within a silver ring inscribed "PRAVDA VITEZI" (Truth Prevails), surmounted by a wreath of crossed palms denoting the Civil Division. Weighs 64.1 grams. Measures 59.3 x 83 mm. Housed in its original case of issue in red leatherette with the rampant lion to the lid, the interior marked "KARNET & KYSELY PRAHA XI.", with a blue velvet recessed medal bed and functional hinge and clasp; the case lightly worn and in extremely fine condition. Instituted in 1922, the White Lion was Czechoslovakia's highest honour for foreign nationals. Scattered gilt wear with the enamels intact, otherwise near extremely fine condition.