This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
Instituted 1348 by King Edward III. Of superior quality workmanship in exquisite enamels set in 18k Gold, a magnificent Lesser George’s badge comprising of a highly detailed central sculpture of St. George and the Dragon in solid Gold, encompassing by hollow surrounded Garter in finely blue-enameling Gold, superposing by an ornamented Latin lettering standing for “Shame on him who thinks evil of it”, motto also in Gold, adorning by typical Gold heraldic vintage frame on the top, reverse featuring double-sided design, measuring 51.89 mm (w) x 86.90 mm (h - inclusive of integral frame), weighting 118.8 grams, suspending by loop suspension with functional typical British-styled clutch lock, on early 20th Century full-length blue ribbon with typical British bow and frayed ends, a scarce piece of superb quality in better than extremely fine condition.
Footnote: It is believed that the Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348; however the origin, date, and the aims of the founder have been subject of considerable controversy among historians and antiquaries. The Order, with around six hundred and fifty years of lifespan, is the oldest Order in the world still awarded. It has been a mark of the British royal favor, and due to the insignia might be decorated by the recipient, the Order has been used to show the taste and wealth of the recipient and the quality of the jeweler's art.
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.