United Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of India, Companions Badge, in Gold, Diamonds, & Pearls

Instituted 1878 by Queen Victoria on becoming Empress of India. A rare and desirable order, composed of a Gold oval breast badge set with pearls, obverse centre presenting Queen Victoria's Imperial Cypher, VRI (Victoria Regina Imperatrix) in diamonds, pearls and  turquoises, the whole is surmounted by a Gold Imperial Crown with a red enameled cap of  maintenance, the band of the crown is finely set with emeralds and rubies and the orb set with a principle pearl, measuring 39 mm (w) x 65 mm (h - inclusive of crown and pearl adorned by cross), period mounted to its original bow ribbon with Gold pinback broach, near mint. Accompanied by case of issue, an oval wooden frame, leather wrapped, lid embossed with gold lettering "Crown of India", velvet medal bed with strong hinge and push button catch, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Queen Elizabeth II is the last living individual to have been admitted to this prestigious Order. 

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.