France, Napoleonic Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Westphalia, 1st Class Knight, c.1808

(Orden der Westfälischen Krone) Instituted 25th of December, 1809 by King Hieronymus I of Westphalen. Particular attention should be drawn to the superb and out standing quality of this award, in Gold consisting of a crown with blue enamel base with Gold script "CHARACTER UND AUFRICHTIGKEIT" (English: Character and honesty) "ERRICHTET DEN XXV DEZEMBER MDCCCIX", crown supporting three dimensional coat of arms, rearing horse and lion flanking crowned half eagle, half lion centre, with ornate crowned eagle swivel suspension finely hand etched and detailed, as well as an elaborate snake ring, maker marked on interior of crown JAC in diamond as well as French Gold hallmark (Chicken Head) on cross used from 1798-1809, measuring 28.5 mm (w) x 53.5 mm (h - inclusive of ring suspension), an exquisite order and rare, extremely fine.

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.