France, Republic. A Noble and Knightly Association of the Cross of Constantine the Great, c.1952

(Noble Association Chevaleresque de la Croix de Constantin le Grand). Instituted on 24 November 1952. A likely Noble and Knightly Association of the Cross of Constantine the Great, the badge is constructed of bronze, presenting a Byzantine cross enamelled in light blue, with a wide gilded border, in between the arms of the cross are red-enamelled flames, the obverse centre presents a red crown and letter K over a field of blue enamel, surrounded by a ring of gilt bearing the motto EX ORIENTE LUX (OUT OF THE EAST IS LIGHT) in black enamel, the reverse presents plain, measuring 59.50 mm (w) x 62.47 mm (h), weighing 30.6 grams, presenting very minor loss of enamel on the obverse, and in overall near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the breast star, constructed of a eight-pointed silver star, the obverse centre presenting a Byzantine cross enamelled in light blue, with a wide gilded border, in between the arms of the cross are red-enamelled flames, the obverse centre presents a red crown and letter K over a field of blue enamel, surrounded by a ring of gilt bearing the motto EX ORIENTE LUX (OUT OF THE EAST IS LIGHT) in black enamel, the reverse plain and unmarked, presenting a principal pin assembly, measuring 83.93 mm (w) x 84.06 mm (h), weighing 80.0 grams, and in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: According to Dr. K.G. Klietmann, as published in The Medal Collector issue for September-October 1959, page 12, in response to photographs published in the July-August 1959 issue, the “unusual badges in the collection of Dr. Goodwin” are likely “the badge of a private organization founded in Paris on Nov. 24, 1952, with the name Noble Association Chevaleresque de la Croix de Constantin le Grand = Noble and Knightly Association of the Cross of Constantine the Great. The statute is signed by Don marius Bernad, Prince of Thessalie. The badge pictured on the left is worn by all members of the association from a sky-blue ribbon. Missing on the badge is the trophy (for men) or the enamelled ladies bow, similar to the crosses of the O. of Malta. The star on the right, was to be awarded for special merits in the cause of the association, as per the statutes, and was called Plaque de Merite (Plaque of Merit). The association most likely does not exist any more. The badges were made in Paris.

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.