Dark gray velvet drawstring Georg Jensen jewelry bag used to hold pins commemorating the birthday of King Christian X of Denmark

Drawstring jewelry pouch used to hold commemorative emblem pins first issued on August 21, 1940, by the Georg Jensen Company to honor the 70th birthday of King Christian X of Denmark. 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.