Austria-Hungary, Empire. An Order of St. Stephen in Gold, Grand Cross, by C.F. Rothe

 (Magyar Királyi Szent István Iovagrend/Königlich Ungarischer Sankt-Stephans-Orden). Instituted 1764. The Grand Cross set consisting of the breast star and the sash badge. The Breast Star consisting of an eight-pointed silver rayed star; the obverse with a central red enameled medallion depicting the Hungarian Double-Cross on a Gold crown placed at the top of three green enameled hills, flanked by the letters “MT” for “Maria Theresia”, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels bearing a green enameled oak wreath; the reverse plain, with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly; marked “C.F. Rothe, Wien” with a double “A” Vienna Assay mark, as well as an additional “FR” mark, Vienna “A” Assay mark, and a Hound-Head silver hallmark; measuring 91.00 mm (w) x 90.45 mm (h); weighing 67.0 grams. The Sash Badge constructed of Gold (hollow), with green enameled arms; the obverse with a central red enameled medallion depicting the Hungarian Double-Cross on a Gold crown placed at the top of three green enameled hills, flanked by the letters “MT” for “M aria Theresia”, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels inscribed “PUBLICUM MERITORUM PRAEMIUM” (Latin - Public Award for Merit); the reverse with a white enameled central medallion, inscribed “STO. ST. RI. AP.” (Latin - To the Holy Apostolic King Stephan), surrounded by a green enameled ring in the shape of an oak wreath; suspended from a broad loop connected to a hollow Gold Hungarian crown, and a broad loop for suspension; marked “FR”, a Vienna Assay mark, and a “3-Goat Head-A” gold hallmark on the award, with “FR” and the same gold hallmark on the loop for the crown; on a period original ribbon sash for suspension; the badge measuring 48.69 mm (w) x 48.82 (h), and the crown measuring 40.61 mm (w) x 42.07 mm (h). Accompanied by the case of the ribbon sash; constructed of heavy red cardstock with a red faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with a Hungarian crown, within elaborate arabesques; with a lined interior lid - marked with the maker mark of “C.F Rothe”, with a partially severed lid keepers, a spring catch and stud release, and a functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 128 mm (w) x 221 mm (h); in overall virtually mint condition.

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.