Latvia. An Order of the Three Stars, V Class Knight, c.1940

Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis. Instituted in 1924. In silver gilt with blue and white enamels, three stars in Gold affixed to the obverse centrepiece, marked with the Latvian silver purity mark beside ".875"" (silver), maker marked ""F.M." and hallmarked on the obverse of the integral suspension, measuring 37.8 mm (w) x 56 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, chipping and pitting evident in the white enamels on the arms on both sides, traces of gilt remains, original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Three Stars is an order awarded for meritorious service to Latvia. It was established in 1924, in remembrance of the founding of Latvia. Its motto is "Per aspera ad astra", translating as "Through hardships to the stars". The Order has five ranks (Commander Grand Cross with Chain (1st Class with Chain), Commander Grand Cross (1st Class); Grand Officer (2nd Class); Commander (3rd Class); Officer (4th Class); and Knight (5th Class), along with three grades of medals (Medal of Honour, 1st Class; Medal of Honour, 2nd Class; and Medal of Honour, 3rd Class. 

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.