Prussia, State. A High Order of the Black Eagle, Breast Star to the Cross of the Order, by Hamlet, c.1820

(Hohe Orden vom Schwarzen Adler Bruststern zum Kreuz des Orden). Instituted on 17.1.1701 by Duke Friedrich III of Brandenburg. Of characteristic Hamlet manufacture, consisting of an eight-pointed faceted multi-rayed silver star, the obverse with a dark orange enameled medallion bearing a black enameled eagle, surrounded by a broad ring of white enamels, inscribed “SUUM CUIQUE” (Each their own) in gilt lettering with a multi-coloured enameled partial laurel wreath at the base, the reverse plain, with a Gold vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch, marked “Hamlet Jeweler to their Royal Highnesses the Duke & Duchess of York, Princesses Augusta Hesse Homberg, Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Sophia & his ... Highness the Prince of Hesse Homberg Princes Street Leicester Square - London -” on the reverse, measuring 79.50 mm (w) x 80.10 mm (h), one of the silver rays missing, in overall better than very fine 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.