Military Order of William Knight Grand Cross Decorations
Artifact IDMO 1950.24.1.1-3
Object Type
Medal
Maker
J.M.J. van Wielik
(Dutch watch and award maker, 1841-2018)
Date1948
Mediumbadge: metal, glass (enamel)
sash: ribbon
star: metal (sterling), glass (enamel)
box: wood ?, paper, fabric, metal
sash: ribbon
star: metal (sterling), glass (enamel)
box: wood ?, paper, fabric, metal
Dimensionspart a (badge) H 3 1/2 in x D 1/4 in x W 2 1/4 in (8.9 cm x 5.7 cm x 0.6 cm )
part b (star) D 1/2 in x Diam 3 1/4 in (1.3 cm x 8.3 cm )
box/case H 2 3/8 in x W 5 7/8 in x D 10 1/2 in (6 cm x 14.9 cm x 26.7 cm )
part c (letter) H 7 in x W 5 1/2 in (17.8 cm x 14 cm )
part d (envelope) H 3 13/16 in x W 5 11/16 in (9.7 cm x 14.4 cm )
part b (star) D 1/2 in x Diam 3 1/4 in (1.3 cm x 8.3 cm )
box/case H 2 3/8 in x W 5 7/8 in x D 10 1/2 in (6 cm x 14.9 cm x 26.7 cm )
part c (letter) H 7 in x W 5 1/2 in (17.8 cm x 14 cm )
part d (envelope) H 3 13/16 in x W 5 11/16 in (9.7 cm x 14.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionDecorations of the Militaire Willems-Orde, the oldest and highest honor of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, accompanied by a personal note from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to Eleanor Roosevelt. The decorations consist of:
1) A Knight Grand Cross badge in the form of a white Maltese Cross with a gold firesteel at the center and the Dutch words "VOOR," "MOED," “BELEID," and "TROUW" [the motto: Bravery – Leadership – Loyalty] on the arms of the cross. A green enameled Burgundy Cross appears between the arms of the Maltese Cross. The reverse side of the badge is identical except that at the center is a disc that bears a crowned monogram "W" (for King William I) surrounded by a laurel wreath. From a small gold royal crown and ring, the badge is suspended on a royal blue and orange grosgrain sash.
2) A Knight Grand Cross star. It consists of a white Maltese Cross, identical to the badge described above, mounted on a silver, 8-pointed star with straight rays. A hinged bar clasp is on the undecorated reverse side.
The medal and badge are stored in a custom red box on the cover of which is stamped the image of a gold crown. The interior of the cover is lined with indigo-colored fabric with the maker's information stamped in gold: [image of crown] / FIRMA / J. M. J. VAN WIELIK / Leveranciers van de / Kanseiarij der / Nederl. Orden / GEVESTIDG SEDERT 1840 / 9 NOORDEINDE / DEN HAAG.
3) A personal handwritten note on "SOESTDIJK" embossed stationery from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to Eleanor Roosevelt. The note was sent in 1949 along with the Knight Grand Cross badge and star. The note comes with a matching "SOESTDIJK" envelope on which Queen Juliana has written "Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt." The stationery maker’s information is also embossed on the envelope: “B. VAN MANTGEM HOFL / MUNTPLEIN 9. AMST.”
Historical NoteDuring World War II, Germany invaded the Netherlands and the Dutch royal family was forced into exile. With FDR’s assistance, Princess Juliana (1909-2004) and her daughters, Beatrix and Irene, found refuge in the United States. President Roosevelt was proud of his family’s Dutch heritage and he and Eleanor Roosevelt became close friends with the Princess. They hosted her and the children at Hyde Park on many occasions. After the war, the royal family returned to the Netherlands and Juliana became queen in 1948. In 1949, she sent Eleanor Roosevelt this personal note, enclosing the Military Order of William—the oldest and highest honor of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It had been awarded posthumously to FDR.1) A Knight Grand Cross badge in the form of a white Maltese Cross with a gold firesteel at the center and the Dutch words "VOOR," "MOED," “BELEID," and "TROUW" [the motto: Bravery – Leadership – Loyalty] on the arms of the cross. A green enameled Burgundy Cross appears between the arms of the Maltese Cross. The reverse side of the badge is identical except that at the center is a disc that bears a crowned monogram "W" (for King William I) surrounded by a laurel wreath. From a small gold royal crown and ring, the badge is suspended on a royal blue and orange grosgrain sash.
2) A Knight Grand Cross star. It consists of a white Maltese Cross, identical to the badge described above, mounted on a silver, 8-pointed star with straight rays. A hinged bar clasp is on the undecorated reverse side.
The medal and badge are stored in a custom red box on the cover of which is stamped the image of a gold crown. The interior of the cover is lined with indigo-colored fabric with the maker's information stamped in gold: [image of crown] / FIRMA / J. M. J. VAN WIELIK / Leveranciers van de / Kanseiarij der / Nederl. Orden / GEVESTIDG SEDERT 1840 / 9 NOORDEINDE / DEN HAAG.
3) A personal handwritten note on "SOESTDIJK" embossed stationery from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to Eleanor Roosevelt. The note was sent in 1949 along with the Knight Grand Cross badge and star. The note comes with a matching "SOESTDIJK" envelope on which Queen Juliana has written "Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt." The stationery maker’s information is also embossed on the envelope: “B. VAN MANTGEM HOFL / MUNTPLEIN 9. AMST.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Credit LineGift of Eleanor Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesStamp Collecting Materials (National Archives Identifier 749938)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
On view
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