A gold and white enamel Maltese cross with flared terminals, with Swedish crowns placed between each arm. On top and at the base, blue enamel crossed swords, all hung off a jeweled swivel crown. On the face, a circular deep blue enamel medallion, with a gilded erect sword and the three crowns of Sweden. On the reverse, a similar circular deep blue medallion, with a gilded erect sword over a laurel wreath, inscribed with ‘PRO PATRIA’, Latin for ‘For the Fatherland’. It comes mounted onto its original short ribbon in the national colors of Sweden, in the original red Moroccan Leather case with gilt tooling stamped to the inside of the lid 'C. F. CARLMAN, STOCKHOLM'

Complete with the following original documents:letters from the Swedish Legation in London, August 1909; a tetter from Buckingham Palace, November 1910, giving permission to wear the insignia of the order of the sword by the King of Sweden, and the original order dated 1909.

The Order of the Sword: Glorious Military Honour

The 'Order of the Sword' ('Svärdsorden') ranked amongst Sweden’s most senior military orders, instituted in 1748 under King Frederick I. As a chivalric order, it was awarded to officers for valour, distinguished service, and command in times of war. It was, in part, a martial honor, but civilians who played significant roles in national defence could receive it, as well. As Sweden took a less interventionist role in European affairs, such honours no longer played such a significant role, and in 1975, its use ceased formally. Despite its abolition, its history is an integral part of Swedish military heritage of service, valour, and sacrifice.

King Frederick I established the Order of the Sword in 1748, along with the 'Order of the Seraphim' and the 'Order of the Polar Star', creating an official state orders system for Sweden. Unlike nobility and monarchy-only Seraphim Order, specifically, the Order of the Sword involved specifically military officers who have conducted distinguished service in battle. It gained prominence during Sweden’s 18th and 19th centuries' wars, including Napoleonic and Russo-Swedish ones. It was granted in a variety of classes, including Commander Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight. An extraordinary grade, the *Knight Grand Cross with Collar*, was added in order to reward exceptional achievement in times of war.

The investiture with the Order of the Sword took a traditional ceremony with deep heritage in Sweden’s martial and chivalric heritage. In the ceremony, in a traditional manner, the recipient received the decoration, most commonly performed by senior military leaders and monarchs. Insignia included a white-enamelled Maltese cross, with blue and gold ornamentation in national colors for Sweden. In its midst, a sword in gold represented martial virtue.

Admiral Stuart Nicholson, CB, MVO (1865-1936), was a distinguished officer of the Royal Navy whose career spanned over four decades, characterized by significant contributions to naval operations and strategy. Born on October 11, 1865, Nicholson entered the Navy in July 1878, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to naval service.

Nicholson's early career was marked by participation in notable historical events, such as the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882, where he was awarded the Egypt Medal and the Khedive's Star. His exemplary performance in these early roles led to a rapid rise through the ranks, with a notable assignment as a torpedo specialist—a role that leveraged his technical expertise and strategic acumen.

One of the defining moments of his career came during the Benin Expedition of 1897. As part of this punitive expedition against the King of Benin, Nicholson was tasked with managing the water supply for the forces, a critical role that earned him a medal and a promotion to commander. This assignment underscored his ability to handle logistical challenges under pressure, further enhancing his reputation within naval circles.

Throughout his career, Nicholson held several key positions, including Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence and Chief of Staff to Admiral Sir Edmund Poë in the Mediterranean. His leadership skills were particularly evident during World War I, where he commanded the 6th Battle Squadron of the Home Fleet. His efforts during the war were recognized with the prestigious appointment as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order by King Edward VII in 1908, and later, the award of the Companion of the Bath (CB) in 1916 for his indefatigable service.

Upon retiring in 1920, Nicholson remained active, dedicating time to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and pursuing his hobby in photography, which also supported charitable causes.

Nicholson's life was not only marked by his naval career but also by his personal life, where he was a family man, married to Althea Badeley, and a father. His legacy in the Royal Navy is remembered for his strategic impact, leadership, and significant contributions to naval operations and intelligence. His collection of awards and medals serve as a testament to his distinguished service and commitment to his country.