China, Qing Dynasty. A Double Dragon Order, 4th Class, European Made, c.1890

(双龙宝星). (Shuānglóng Bǎoxīng). Instituted by Guangxu Emperor on 7 February 1882. Type I. 1882-1897 Issue. Of superb European manufacture, commissioned by the Qing Government for foreign recipients in Western countries. A aesthetically pleasing award consisting of a 3.0 mm disc of silver with meticulous hand etching, obverse presenting two uniquely stylistic silver dragons as well as Chinese characters surrounding an inlaid blue stone, a turquoise enameled background over textured silver, with a green and silver interlocking boarder, reverse presents a highly detailed silver field, illustrating two dragons with inlaid blue stone at centre, measuring 46.5 mm (w) x 60 mm (h - inclusive of integral Thunder Cloud suspension and horizontal ring attachment), with light enamel wear, extremely fine.

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.