Hannover, Kingdom. An Ernst August Order in Gold, I Class Knight, c.1870

(Ernst August Orden Ritterkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted on the 15th December 1865 by King George V of Hanover. 1866-1878 Issue. A superb cross in Gold, consisting of a white enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, with a finely detailed Hanoverian crown in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a red enameled field with the royal cipher of Ernst August in Gold, a blue enameled surround featuring the motto of the order “Suscipere et finire” (To finish what was started), reverse centre with a central red enameled medallion depicting the Georgius V Rex, surrounded by a blue blue ring of enamels, inscribed with the institution date “Den XV December MDCCCLXV”, measuring 35 mm (w) x 38 mm (h - inclusive of integral suspension), 22.5 grams, on mid 20th century ribbon, 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.