Saxony, Kingdom. A Civil Merit Order for Foreigners, Grand Cross, by Kümzel, c.1870

(Zivil-Verdienstorden, Bruststerm zum Großkreuz für Ausländer). Instituted 1815. Grand Cross for Foreigners 1828 - 1871. A silver six-armed star consisting of rays; the obverse with a central white enameled medallion, inscribed “DEM VERDIENSTE” in Gold lettering, surrounded by a Gold green enameled oak wreath on a bed of white enamels, surrounded by a ribbed, pearled and ornately decorated ring; the reverse plain, with a vertical slender banjo style pinback, a barrel hinge, and a broad round wire catch; marked “Kümzel” on the reverse; measuring 74.00 mm (w) x 85.51 mm (h); weighing 55.2 grams; in near mint condition.

Footnote: The star manufactured by V.Mayer, more commonly found, is against regulations due to the fact it displays 8 arms. The star described above, manufactured by Kümzel with 6 arms meets regulations. With a total of 69 of this Civil Merit Order for Foreigners, Grand Cross awarded. 

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.