Tunisia, French Protectorate. An Order of Glory, Grand Cross, c.1910

(Order of Nichan Iftikhar). Instituted 1835 by Al-Mustafa ibn Mahmud. III Version (1882-1957). Type V (Muhammad V an-Nasir 1906-1922). Of local manufacture, a sash badge in silver consisting of a ten armed star with alternating red and green enamels, depicting clusters of multiple faceted rays in each quadrant, suspended by a tied silver bow, obverse centre exhibiting a silver royal cypher of Muhammad V an-Nasir on an enameled green background, reverse centre bearing by local maker’s mark, measuring 60.99 mm (w) x 87.62 mm (h - including suspension), presenting minor enamel loss on the centre, with bent tips for wearing and slightly detached centre, suspending by original period full-length sash with bow in green and red silk, better than fine. Accompanied by the star of the order in silver, consisting of a ten armed beaded star with clusters of five faceted rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a beaded royal cypher of Muhammad V an-Nasir on green enamel background, reverse with dual stays and central pin assembly, presenting faded maker’s mark of local manufacture, measuring 83.16 mm (w) x 78.75 mm (h), with minor toned silver and bent tips for wearing, overall near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Glory was a Tunisian honorary order founded in 1835 by Al-Mustafa ibn Mahmud the Bey of Tunisia. The order was abolished following 1957. Initially it was awarded in a single class, however the order was reorganized and awarded in five classes following 1843 and expanded to six classes in 1882. It could be awarded to people of French nationality, and other notable foreigners with some connection to Tunisia.

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.