Saxony, Kingdom. An Albrecht Order, Officer’s Cross, by G.A. Scharffenberg, c.1900

(Albrechts-Orden). Instituted 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II. Second Model 1876-1918 “Young Portrait Type.” (1890-1918). In silver gilt, consisting of a white-enameled Latin cross with a narrow border, with green laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre in white enamels featuring the right-facing head of Duke Albrecht, surrounded by a light blue enameled ring with the golden inlaid inscription “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“Albert the Bold”), bottom with two golden arabesques separated by a small six-pointed golden star, reverse centre presents the Kingdom of Saxony coat of arms bordered by the maker’s inscription “G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden - Goldarbeiter F.D.K.S. Ordenscanz,” also marked on 6 o'clock arm with "S" denoting Scharffenberg, vertical pinback with a barrel hinge and a broad wire catch, measuring 46.95 mm (w) x 70.33 mm (h - inclusive of five-pointed Imperial Crown), weighing 36.8 g, with some enamel loss to the oak leaves, otherwise extremely fine.

Footnote:The Abrecht Order Officer’s Cross was awarded to 1,450 recipients, including 580 in Gold and 870 in gilded silver. During the First World War, 208 received the Officer’s Cross. See, Jörg Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen Bis 1945: Sachsen-Württemberg I (München: Zentralstelle für wissenschaftliche Ordenskunde, 1999), 1249-1250.

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.