Sweden, Kingdom. An Order of the Sword, 2nd Class Knight, c.1914

Kungliga Svärdsordens. Instituted in 1748. 1856-1975 Issue. In silver with blue and white enamels, Gold centrepieces, marked with a Dutch import ""V"" mark on the ring, measuring 37 mm (w) x 56.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, extensive repair evident in the white enamels on the arms on both sides, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the reverse centrepiece, original ribbon, fair.

Footnote: The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry created by King Frederick I of Sweden on February 23, 1748, together with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. It is awarded to officers, and was originally intended as an award for bravery and particularly long or useful service, but eventually became a more or less obligatory award for military officers after a certain number of years in service. There were originally three grades, Knight, Commander and Commander Grand Cross, but these were later multiplied by division into classes: Commander Grand Cross, Commander 1st Class, Commander, Knight 1st Class and Knight. The order also encompasses two medals: Badge of the Sword (reserved for Non-commissioned officers) and Medal of the Sword (reserved for Underbefäl, lower commanders of the ranks of corporal to Sergeant).

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.