Kingmark silver and red enamel spring tension pin commemorating the 70th birthday in 1940 of King Christian X of Denmark

Commemorative sterling silver and red enamel men's emblem pin with a tension spring issued by the Georg Jensen Company to honor the 70th birthday of King Christian X of Denmark on August 21, 1940. Designed by Arno Malinowski, the pin features the King’s initials, the years 1870-1940, and the Danish flag. The German army occupied Denmark on April 9, 1940. Christian remained in Copenhagen and the Kingmark became a popular symbol of Danish independence, patriotism, and solidarity. Germany permitted the democratic government to retain control over domestic affairs until August 1943, when the growing resistance movement led Germany to institute martial law. Denmark was liberated by British forces on May 5, 1945. A second pin was issued for Christian’s 75th birthday in 1945. Over 1 million were produced until his death in 1947; production ceased at the request of his son, King Frederick IX.