Hesse-Kassel. An 1851-1866 Issue Wilhelm Order Knight's Cross

Hesse-Kassel. An 1851-1866 Issue Wilhelm Order Inhaber Cross A 1851-1866 issue Hesse-Kassel Wilhelm Order Member's Cross (Wilhelm Orden Inhaberkreuz); a silver Maltese cross; the obverse with an enameled center applique depicting a Hesse Lion in gold on a bed of blue enamels, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Virtute et Fidelitate (Latin - For virtue and faithfulness); the reverse with a center blue enameled applique, with a crowned royal monogram of Wilhelm Kurfürst; on a double loop suspension; with its period original ribbon - with a collector’s tag attached to the reverse; measuring 43.02 mm x 48.10 mm; weighing 18.4 grams; the enamels on the obverse well preserved, but with chipping on the reverse; in overall near very 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.