Russia, Imperial. An Uncertain Aviation Order, Commander, c.1914

In silver-gilt and white enamel Maltese cross with ball-tipped finials, the suspension of crossed maces, a band between the upper arms with wings outstretched emanating from a white enamel circle, a red enamel semicircle and eyelet above with ribbed silver-gilt band for neck ribbon suspension; the face with a circular pale blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt Cyrillic inscription ‘ТУЅ’ (Ace) within a silver-gilt border; the reverse identical; width 51 mm (2 inches), height excluding ribbon ring 61 mm (2.4 inches); with slight enamel loss to blue centre, otherwise very fine.

Footnote: The origins of the Order are uncertain; the iconography of the suspension and the inscription suggest an award for fighter pilots. 

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.