This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Ordre de l’etoile d’ethiopie). Instituted by Emperor of Ethiopia Menelik II in 1884-1885. A large, hand filed Grand Cross star consisting of alternating eleven principal rays and eleven shorter rays in bronze gilt, surmounted by ornamented Ethiopian Imperial crown, obverse embellishing by very precise and highly detailed patterns and beaded edges, measuring 78.56 mm (w) x 104.28 mm (h - including crown suspension), with light overall gilt wear, otherwise very fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Star of Ethiopia was founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1884-85, before he became Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889. It is one of the older awards in the Imperial pantheon. It was originally awarded, according to Montandon, in five levels, plus une catégorie speciale. However, at that time, it was listed as being in three classes, with two sub-grades.
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.

