Germany - Third Reich / India - Nationalist Provisional Government of Free India: Order of Azad Hind Grand Star “”Sher-e-Hind” (Tiger of India) with Swords for Gallantry in Combat, silvered tombak with gilt and enamels, no makers marks but an Occupied France produced piece, complete with a full-length of neck ribbon, this with folds for ribbon ties to have been implemented, and therefore indicative of wear, the insignia being housed in its exceedingly rare presentation case bearing the makers details for Monnaie de Paris. As awarded to the soldiers of the Indian Legion/Indian National Army. Extremely Rare insignia, the case for this manufacturer being exceedingly rare and confirming this to be of wartime manufacture prior to the liberation of France.
Condition: reverse cabochon has light scratching, probably the result of a silver test, enamel work and gilding excellent, Good Very Fine.
The decorations of Azad Hind were instituted by Subhas Chandra Bose while in Germany, initially for the Indian Legion, to be awarded for gallantry in the field of battle. Both Indians and Germans were eligible for the decorations. Later, the same awards were instituted by the Azad Hind provisional government for the Indian National Army during its campaign in South-East Asia.
