Baden. An Order of Berthold the First, 1st Class Knight’s Cross, c.1910

1896-1918 Issue. A fine quality manufacture and very well preserved example of an Order of Berthold the First Knight’s Cross (Orden Berthold des Ersten Ritterkreuz); a Gold Maltese cross with ball finals and royal crowns between the arms of the cross; the obverse consisting of white enameled arms, with a gilt outline along the edge of each arm, with a central red enameled medallion depicting the royal cipher of Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig within a gilt ring; the reverse with a similar central red enameled medallion, with a gilt royal crown; with arabesques, a crown, and a loop for suspension from its period original ribbon; marked “D” on the bottom of the six o’clock arm; measuring 40.32 mm (w) x 61.63 mm (h); weighing 15.4 grams; the enamels on the cross extremely well preserved; in overall better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: With a total of 347 of this Order of Berthold the First Knight’s Cross awarded.

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.