Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, II Class Grand Officer's Star, by Henri Walrauens, Co., c.1940

(Ordre de Couronne). Instituted in 1897 by King Leopold II. A silver five-pointed star presenting faceted arms and finished with ball finials, with five silver gilt smooth rays with beaded edges emanating between each arm, surmounted by a smaller five-pointed star with white enamel arms, and seven smooth rays in each quadrant, centre obverse bears a blue enamel medallion with superimposed royal crown in the center, centre reverse marked “HENRI WALRAUENS Co. 9 RUE JOSEPH CLAES BRUXELLES MIDI” surrounded by “FABRIQUE DORDENS BELGES ET ETRANGERS” in the cartouche, presenting one vertical pinback and dual stays, measuring 91mm (w) x 90mm (h), white enamelled heavily chipped in 7, 10 and 12 o’clock arms, enamels cracked in other arms, star appears to have had significant knock thereby forcing inwards centre as well as 10 o'clock rays, pin in slack, several arms bent, poor/fair.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown was instituted on October 15, 1897, with the Palms and Medals being added on June 25, 1898. It is awarded for merit in art, literature, science, commerce, and industry and is issued five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight; two palms (Gold and Silver); and three medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

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.