Prussia, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, IV Class with Geneva Cross, c.1873

(Der Königliche Kronen Orden, Kreuz 4. Klasse mit dem Genfer Kreuz). Instituted on 18 October 1861. Type II. 1872-1874 Issue. A cross pattée constructed of gilded bronze, obverse centre presents a central gilded medallion depicting the Royal Crown, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel, inscribed GOTT MIT UNS in golden lettering, with golden arabesques directly below, with a red and white enamelled cross on the 12 o’clock cross arm, the reverse centre presents a gilded medallion depicting the Royal Monogram of Wilhelm Rex, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel, inscribed DEN 18 OKTOBER 1861 in gilt lettering, measuring 42.06 mm (w) x 45.31 mm (h), weighing 11.6 grams, on loop for suspension with early 20th Century ribbon, with minor enamel loss to obverse, remains very fine.

Footnote: A total of 1787 awarded. 1649 in the year 1872, 127 in the year 1873, and 11 in the year 1874. 

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.