Saxony-Coburg-Gotha, Duchy. A Saxon Ernestinian Houseorder, Commander Cross with Oak Wreath, c.1860

(Sachsen-Ernstinischer Hausorden, Komturkreuz Buchstabe “E” mit Eichenkranz). Instituted on March 25, 1833 by Duke Friedrich. (Issued 1833-1864). A Gold Maltese cross with white enameled arms, ball finials and Gold lions between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central pebbled Gold medallion depicting the leftward facing bust of Ernst, surrounded by a broad blue enameled ring of enamels, inscribed “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (Loyal and Steadfast), surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm decorated by the letter “E” in Gold in honour of Ernst Herzog von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha, the reverse with the standard motif for this award within a central medallion, surrounded by a blue enameled ring, inscribed “D. 25. Dezember, 1833” in golden lettering, with a green enameled ring around the outer edge; suspended from a swivel crown suspension; with a horizontally-pierced ball and ring suspension; with its period original ribbon, measuring 57.86 mm (w) x 88.22 mm (h), weighing 40.7 grams, with a hairline crack on the six o’clock arm and light enamel wear and loss to obverse and reverse centres, in near very fine condition.

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.