Saxony, Kingdom. A Civil Merit Order, II Class Cross with Swords, by Scharffenberg, c.1915

(Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 7 June 1815 by Frederick Augustus I. 1914-1918 Issue. In silver gilt, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, obverse with a central applique bearing a gilded Saxon coat of arms on a white enameled background, surrounded by an addition white gilt ring with inscription of “FRIED. AUG. K. V. SACHSEN. D. 7. JUNE. 1815”, reverse with a central white enameled applique with gold inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UND TREUE” (“FOR SERVICE AND LOYALTY”), inside a green enameled oak leaf wreath, with gilded crossed swords piercing the centre of the cross, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, marked “S” on six o’clock arm denoting G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 35.73 mm (w) x 35.75 mm (h), weighing 19.6 grams, with obverse centre piece slightly raised, overall enamel wear from use, remains good/fine.

Footnote: 1795 examples of this Civil Service Order Knight’s Cross Second Class with Swords awarded, with 1793 awarded during the First War.

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.