Saxony, Kingdom. An Albrecht Order in Gold, Grand Cross, by G.A. Scharffenberg, c.1900

(Albrecht-Orden, Großkreuz mit Bruststern). Instituted 1850 by Friedrich August II of Saxony. Type II. (1876-1918 issue). An Albrecht Order, Grand Cross with Breast Star, the former constructed of Gold consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms, the quadrants of the cross joined by a green enameled oak leaf wreath, obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a rightward-facing Gold profile of Albrecht III, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE MERCIFUL”) and arabesques, reverse with an analogous white enameled medallion bearing a Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with a gilt date of “1850” and arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with a hollow Gold crown suspension, unmarked, measuring 53.46 mm (w) x 93.21 mm (h) (inclusive of suspension apparatus), weighing 34.3 g, with enamel loss to obverse nine o’clock arm, otherwise in near extremely fine condition, including its period original sash, constructed of woven green and white ribbon, measuring 101 mm (w) x 810 mm (l) as presented, accompanied by its breast star, constructed of silver and Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a Gold rightward-facing profile of Albrecht III, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERT ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE MERCIFUL”), inside of a pebbled Gold ring, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden - Goldarbeiter F.D.K.S. Ordenscanz”, measuring 92.88 mm (w) x 92.15 mm (h), weighing 68.4 grams, minor tarnishing of silver evident, otherwise in extremely 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.