France, II Empire. A Legion D'Honneur, Commander in Gold, c.1860

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur). 1852-1870 Issue. A superb commander's badge in Gold, consisting of a five armed white enameled cross with ball finials and Gold boarders, with finely enameled green laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a bust of Napoleon, blue enamel surround inscribed NAPOLEON EMP.DES FRANCIS, reverse centre presenting the French Imperial Eagle with blue enamel surround with inscription HONNEUR ET PATRIE, adorned by an expertly manufactured crown composed of multiple imperial eagles, with finely enameled integral suspension bands, measuring 59.5 mm (w) x 90 mm (h - inclusive of crown and horizontally pierced ball suspension with cross), 47.5 grams, with elongated suspension loop, enamel loss to reverse centre, minor hairline cracking, near 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.