Sweden, Kingdom. An Order of Vasa in Gold, 1st Class Knight, c.1900

(Kungliga Vasaorden) Instituted in 1772. Second Period (1866-1975). In Gold with red, green and white enamels, weighing 15.5 grams, hallmarked on the cross on the crown on the obverse, measuring 38 mm (w) x 60.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, ring has been condensed into an oval shape, intact enamels, original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal Order of Vasa is a Swedish order of chivalry, awarded to citizens of Sweden for service to state and society especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and commerce. It was instituted on May 29, 1772 by King Gustav III. It was unrestricted by birth or education and could therefore be awarded to anyone (as opposed to the Order of the Polar Star, which was intended as a reward for the learned professions). It was the most junior of all the Swedish orders. It was often awarded to Norwegian subjects of the dual monarchy until Oscar I founded the Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1847. Since 1974, the order is no longer conferred: officially it has been declared as ""dormant"", along with the Order of the Sword. 

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.