China, Nanking Government. An Order of United Glory, I Class Grand Cross, c.1940

Instituted 1943. A large silver gilt eight pointed star, each arm composed of a cluster of eight individuals smooth rays, overlaid by a smaller silver eight point star with clusters of seven beaded rays, suspended from a gilt cloud which is suspended from a ball-tipped five point star, obverse center presenting a red enameled field with nine stars denoting a first class award, with an outer blue enamel ring with nine clouds in white enamels, reverse bears a cartouche in Chinese characters, unmarked, measuring 81 mm (w) x 129 mm (h- inclusive of cloud and star suspension and integral ring), slight gilt wear along smooth rays, chip on red enamel field along 6 o’clock edge, on a special class grand cross ribbon of red silk with 19 mm yellow stripe along each edge, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of a large silver gilt eight pointed star, each arm composed of a cluster of eight alternating smooth and faceted rays, overlaid by a smaller silver eight point star with clusters of seven beaded rays, obverse centre featuring a red enameled field with nine stars denoting a first class award, with an outer blue enamel ring with nine clouds in white enamels, reverse bears a single vertical pin with cartouche in Chinese characters denoting order name and class under hinge, measuring 93 mm (w) x 93 mm (h), obverse slightly tarnished, oxidation around blue enamel ring and on reverse around cartouche, very fine condition.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.