Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The Wendish Crown Order of the Duke of Saxony-Altenburg

eMedals is pleased to present as part of the Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection the Grand Cross Set of the House Order of the Wendish Crown (Hausorden der Wendischen Krone Großkreuz & Bruststern zum Großkreuz), awarded to Ernst Herzog (Duke) von Sachsen-Altenburg, on occasion of his 50-Year Anniversary of activie military service, by Frederick Francis III Großherzog (Grand Duke) von Mecklenburg, consisting of 1) The Breast Star of the Grand Cross constructed of a delicately manufactured eight-pointed silver star base with a central medallion of blue enamels, with a raised silver Wendish crown, surrounded by a golden knurled ring, red enamels, inscribed “Per Aspera Ad Astra” (Latin - Through Thick to the Light) in golden lettering, and an additional outer golden knurled ring; the reverse with a central silver medallion, skillfully inscribed “Friedrich Franz Grossherzog v. Mecklenburg seinem vielgeliebten und hochverehrten Oheim Ernst Herzog v. Sachen-Altenburg zum 50 jähr. Dienstjubiläum 17. August 1895” (German - Friedrich Franz Grand Ducke of. Mecklenburg his beloved and highly revered uncle Ernst Herzog v. Saxony-Altenburg for his 50-Year Anniversary of Military Service 17. August 1895); with a thick vertical pinback - marked “H. Rose, Schwerin” on the reverse, and a functional hinge/catch assembly; measuring 93.27 mm (w) x 93.28 mm; weighing 94.8 grams. 2) The Grand Cross constructed of extremely fine 18kt gold in the form of a Maltese Cross featuring ball finals on the arms, with white, red, and blue enamels, with solid gold and exceptionally detained lions between the arms of the cross; surrounded by a golden knurled ring, red enamels, inscribed “Per Aspera Ad Astra” (Latin - Through Thick to the Light) in golden lettering, and an additional outer golden knurled ring; the reverse with a central medallion of blue enamels, inscribed in gold with the royal monograph; suspended from very detailed arabesques, and a swivel golden royal crown, with a double ring suspension from its period original sash; measuring 76.65 mm (w) x 121.33 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension. Both awards are of exceptional quality manufacture, and are extremely well preserved, with the enamels very well preserved, free from chips or cracks of any kind. The sash is slightly soiled from period wear, but free from rips, tears, or mothing. In virtually mint condition.

Footnote: Friedrich Franz III, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg was born on March 19, 1851 in Ludwigslust, northern Germany. Between 1870 and 1873 he studied law in Bonn. From a young age he was of poor health and therefore liked to spend his time in a southern, Mediterranean climate which improved his asthma. He also suffered from a heart condition. When his father, Friedrich Franz II died in 1883, Friedrich Franz III was initially unable to take control of government affairs due to his state of health and the fact that he was residing in southern France at the time. During most of his reign he would not be present in his homelands and instead have others rule on his behalf, even though he knew that this didn’t make him popular. He died on April 10, 1897 in Cannes, southern France by falling from a balcony. Officially, his family spoke of an accident, however there were strong indications that is was actually a suicide.

Ernst I, Duke of Saxony-Altenburg was born on September 16, 1826 in Hildburghausen, Franconia. He studied at the Universities of Jena and Leipzig. In August of 1845 Ernst I began his military service in the 2nd Company of the Ducal Saxony-Altenburg Line Battalion. Two years later, as a Second Lieutenant, he joined the 6th Jäger Battalion of the Prussian Army. In 1853 he was promoted to Major. Shortly after, that same year his father died and Ernst I took over and received the Black Eagle Order. In 1855 he issued a law to affiliate the army of Saxony-Altenburg with Prussia. A week after this he was promoted to Major General of the Prussian Army, and in 1859 to Lieutenant General. Consequently, during the Austro-Prussian War Ernst I sided with Prussia. He was also active during the Franco-Prussian War and took part in the siege of Paris. On August 17, 1895 Ernst I received the House Order of the Wendish Crown from his nephew, Friedrich Franz III, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, on occasion of his 50th anniversary of military service. In 1907 he was promoted to Colonel General in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. Ernst I died on February 7, 1908 in Altenburg after an unusually long period of rule of 55 years.

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.