Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Commander’s Star, c.1900

(Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden, Bruststern zum Komturkreuz). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1864-1935 issue). In silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a four-pointed ribbed star, the obverse with a central applique consisting of a Gold pebbled field bearing a green enameled Saxon royal crown, inside a blue enameled ring inscribed with gilt Order motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), inside of a green enameled oak leaf wreath with intermittent Gold lacing, the obverse with a raised barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style vertical pinback meeting an elongated round wire catch, measuring 84.48 mm (w) x 84.29 mm (h), weighing 58.6 grams, minor tarnishing of silver evident, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

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.