Baden, Duchy. An Order of the Zähringer Lion, I Class Knight with Oak Leaves & Swords, c.1915

(Orden von Zähringer Löwen Ritterkreuz I. Klasse mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern). Instituted on 22 January 1809. (1866-1918 Issue). In silver gilt with glass and enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée constructed of green glass, with gilded silver arabesques between the arms of the cross, the obverse centre medallion depicting hand-painted ruins of the ancestral castle of Zähringer, surrounded by a coiled ring, with gilded crossed swords piercing the centre,the reverse with a central red enameled medallion depicting a gilded lion rampant, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon with a gilded oak leaves, unmarked, measuring 39.85 mm (w) x 43.02 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition. Footnote: The I Class Knight with Oak Leaves & Swords was only awarded 244 times, of which 138 were during the first world war.

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.