United Kingdom. A Royal Victorian Order, G.C.V.O., Grand Cross, No. 28, c.1905

Instituted in 1896. An early numbered set, consisting of a large silver gilt sash badge with a white enameled Maltese cross, obverse centre presenting a silver gilt cypher of Queen Victoria on a red enameled field, with blue enameled surround with VICTORIA and a pair of laurel branches, 12 o'clock arm adorned by a finely detailed silver gilt and enameled crown, reverse officially numbered 28, measuring 74 mm (w) x 76 mm (h- inclusive of integral ring), on original silk sash, with minor enamel contact, extremely fine. Accompanied by the matching star of the order, consisting of a eight pointed faceted star, each arm composed of seven individual rays, obverse presenting a silver gilt Maltese cross with white enamels, centre featuring the silver gilt cypher of Queen Victoria on a red enameled field, with blue enameled surround with VICTORIA and a pair of laurel branches, 12 o'clock arm adorned by a finely detailed silver gilt and enameled crown, reverse with typical British Gold pin and officially numbered 28, measuring 90.5 mm (w) x 90 mm (h), with toning to silver, minor enamel loss to blue surround, extremely fine. Both in original case of issue, wooden framed with brown leather wrapping, reverse embossed with order corresponding number 28, interior satin lined lid maker marked "COLLINGWOOD & Co LONDON", missing velvet medal bed, fair.

Footnote: The earliest Royal Victorian Orders were issued unnumbered. In 1901, it was decided that significant awards should be numbered therefore dating the above award between 1901 and 1905.

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.