Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order of the Lion, Knight Grand Cross, by A. Moussault, c.1890

(De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw). Instituted by King William I in 1815. 1859-1893 Issue. The sash badge of the order consisting of a large ball-tipped enameled white Maltese Cross in silver gilt, featuring ornamented gilded cypers of William I in each quadrant, surmounted by large royal crown with V affixed suspension also in silver gilt, with obverse medallion in Gold displaying a blue enamel background with wearing lettering VIRTUS NOBILITAT (Virtue Ennobles), the reverse medallion also in Gold wearing Dutch royal lion silhouette on a enameled blue background, measuring 66.58 mm (w) x 106.12 mm (h), hallmarked twice by Dutch silver mark denoting fineness of .250 between 1859-1893, with gilt loss and cracked white enamels, bent 7 o’clock “W” for wearing, with detached central medallions, suspended by original full-length sash with bow, very fine. Accompanied by the star of the Order, an eight-pointed multiple ray star in silver gilt, consisting of alternating plain and scaled rays with small ball finials, obverse centre exhibiting a ball-tipped Maltese Cross with braided edges in silver gilt, each arm embellishing by fine silver beads, central medallion in blue enamels inscribed VIRTUS NOBILITAT, with braided outsider ring, reverse with vertical pin assembly, marked by maker’s cartouche of A. Moussault, Amsterdam, marked twice by period maker’s mark, with additional two Dutch hallmark denoting silver purity of .833 between 1814 and 1905, measuring 87.12 mm (w) x 86.30 mm (h), with repair to hinge, otherwise very fine condition overall.

Footnote: The Order of the Dutch Lion was established by King William I in 1815 and is the oldest civil decoration of the Netherlands. The reigning Dutch monarch is the Grand Master of the Order. The Order is conferred upon Dutch citizens in recognition of exceptional contributions to the state and public life in the Netherlands. It may also be conferred upon foreigners, however this is rare.

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.