Kingdom of the Netherlands Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Cross, Military Division, comprising an eight-pointed breast star and crowned sash badge with crossed swords, accompanied by its orange, white and blue ribbon and fitted presentation case. The insignia features blue and white enamel decoration and the motto “JE MAINTIENDRAI.” The reverse of the breast star bears the maker’s medallion “Casa das Condecoracoes, Lisboa, Portugal.”
The sash badge’s central two-sided enameled medallion is presently detached and accompanies the set.
According to the admiral’s descendants, the decoration belonged to Rear Admiral William Reynolds Purnell.
PROVENANCE
From the family of Rear Admiral William Reynolds Purnell (1886-1955), United States Navy. Acquired directly from the admiral’s descendants. Purnell served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet and later as the Navy representative on the Manhattan Project’s Military Policy Committee.
