Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. A House & Merit Order of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Grand Cross Star with Swords, by Knauer, c.1870

(Haus und Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Bruststern mit Schwertern). Instituted on 27 November 1838 by Paul Friedrich August von Oldenburg. In finely toned silver, the star body consists of eight main arms each composed of seven rays of various length with ribbed edges, with Gold swords crossing through the centre, centre obverse presents a round medallion displaying the silver, crowned monogram PFL over a blue enamelled background, circumscribed by a coiled border, surrounded by a ring of red enamel bearing the motto EIN GOTT EIN RECHT EINE WAHRHEIT (ONE GOD ONE RIGHT ONE TRUTH), circumscribed by a border of coil, the reverse centre presents a principle pin assembly, maker marked KNAUER on pin, measuring 85.13 mm (w) x 84.93 mm (h), weighing 48.7 grams, extremely fine.

Footnote: 14 awarded the Grand Cross with Golden Crown and Swords. 

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.