1882: The collar introduced as an additional insignia of the Order for the Grand Cross class and not as a separate class. The Collar was automatically awarded with the Grand Cross from 1882 until 1906.

1890: Knight 2nd class in silver introduced. From 1890 -1906 only foreigners were awarded Knight 2nd. class.

This 1882 Collar is rare. The Collar was awarded to all Norwegians who were awarded the Grand Cross between 1882 an 1906. The number is not large. Hallmark stamps can be difficult to find on these. Many opinions of quality and hallmarks are given in the market, but not sop many collectors do have access to these collars. The one shown here was sold at Spink's auctions in London in 1989. Another one with several enamel damages were sold in 1988 also by Spink. I currently know of 5 Collars of the 1882 series.

The Knight 2 was only awarded to foreigners between 1890 and 1905. A total of 65 were awarded during that period. This makes it very difficult to find! The condition is close to perfect. The hallmark shows J.T. (Tostrup) who was the court jeweler at that time.

This Knight 2 was found on Corsica together with a cavalier of the Greek Redeemer order. The seller assumed it had been given to a French navy officer around 1900, - however a navy officer should have received the military version.

Differences between the 1860 and 1882 Grand Cross Badges