Romania, Kingdom. An Order of the Star, Grand Officer's Star, by Resch & Fils, c.1940

(Ordinul Steaua României). Instituted 1877. Military Division, Peacetime. Type II, 1st edition, Short Type. 1932-1947 Issue. In silver consisting of an eight-pointed star, each arm composed of ten faceted rays, with four silver eagles forming a outer border, silver crossed swords, obverse centre exhibiting a gilded cypher of King Carlos I, with red enameled background, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by IN FIDE SALUS (in Faith is the Salvation), encircled by a green enameled laurel wreath, reverse with maker’s cartouche of Joseph Resch & Fils in Bucarest, pin hallmarked by Romania’s hallmark denoting silver purity of .800 up to 1937, with ARG (silver) stamped, beside the serial number 306 - 34, presenting Dutch hallmarked ZII denoting Dutch silver import .835 silver post 1953, measuring 65.54 mm (w) x 64.77 mm (h), with lost of gilt and toned silver, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Star of Romania was established by Prince Carol I, the future King Carol I, in 1877 in the first official act of the sovereign nation of Romania. The Order was later suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 1998 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently conferred upon Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service to Romania. It had also been awarded to foreign military personnel in the First and Second World War.

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.