Georgia, Republic. An Order of Queen Tamara, I Class Star, c.1918

Instituted 13 December 1918 by by Zakhari Mdivani. An eight-pointed silvered bronze star, each arm composed of clusters of individual rays, obverse centre featuring a blue enamels set in bronze gilt, applique bearing a gilt profile of Queen Tamara, measuring 71.40 mm (w) x 71.47 mm (h), weighing 42.7 grams, reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, tarnishing evident, but otherwise in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Queen Tamara was a Georgian military decoration granted to members of the Georgian Legion and of the German Caucasus Expedition, who fought in Georgia after November 4, 1918. The official criterion, proclaimed by General Zakhari Mdivani, the Georgian Minister of War, stated, "For merits in Georgia herewith all officers and enlisted men of the German troops in the Caucasus, which remained in Georgia after November 4, 1918, have the right to wear the Order of Saint Tamara."

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.