Item #EG1425
This is a superb grouping of an extremely fine quality manufacture cased 1876-1918 issue Saxon Commander’s Cross and Breast Star Grouping (Albrechtsorden Komturkreuz und Bruststern zum Komturkreuz); the cross in the form of a silver Latin cross with silver gilt accents and white enameled arms, with a green enameled oak wreath; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion depicting a rightward facing bust of Herzog Albrecht, surrounded by a blue enameled ring, inscribed “Albertus Animous” (Latin - Albert the Merciful), along with arabesques towards the bottom of the enameled ring; the reverse with a white enameled central medallion depicting the Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with arabesques on the top, and “1850” on the bottom; suspended from a swivel crown suspension; with a horizontally-pierced ball and ring suspension; with its period original ribbon; maker marked “S” for “G. A. Scharffenberg, Dresden” on the bottom arm; measuring 53.54 mm x 88.40 mm; weighing 54.6 grams. The breast star a 32-pointed silver star; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion depicting a rightward facing bust of Herzog Albrecht, surrounded by a blue enameled ring, inscribed “Albertus Animous” (Latin - Albert the Merciful), along with arabesques towards the bottom of the enameled ring; the reverse with a vertical banjo pin and a functional hinge/catch assembly; maker marked “S” for “G. A. Scharffenberg, Dresden” on the pin, along with a round medallion plate on the reverse stating the same; measuring 88.53 mm x 88.24 mm; weighing 65.0 grams. The case is constructed of thick pressed paper with a purple faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior embossed in gold and black; lined interior lid embossed with the maker’s details and contact information; with a recessed medal bed; intact and functional clasp closure; measuring 207 mm x 133 mm; overall an extremely fine set, in virtually mint 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.