Latvia, Republic. An Order of the Three Stars, II Class, by W.F. Müller, c.1935

(Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis). Instituted on 11 March 1924. A II Class neck badge in silver gilt, featuring a white-enamelled Maltese cross with clusters of rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a blue-enamelled medallion featuring three Gold stars, surrounded by a Latvian ornament, reverse centre bearing the inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA 1918. G. 18 NOVEMBRIS, surrounded by the motto of the order PER ASPERA AD ASTRA, surmounted by a suspension in the form of a wreath of oak leaves tired by a bow, maker marked FM for W. F. Müller, hallmarked with the Riga national mark denoting years 1922 to 1940, hallmarked with .875 mark combined with national hallmark denoting years 1922 to 1940, measuring 45.57 mm (w) x 72.22 mm (h - inclusive of wreath suspension), on flat loop, also hallmarked with national mark, with original neck ribbon, obverse displays chipping to enamel on three o’clock arm, and in otherwise very fine condition. Accompanied by the matching star of the order, constructed of silver gilt, a five-pointed silver star, with clusters of rays in each quadrant, obverse centrepiece in silver gilt featuring three Gold stars on a blue-enamelled background, surrounded by a gilded border inscribed PAR TEVIJU, the reverse centre presents the inscription ORDENU FABRIKA W.F. MÜLLER RIGA LATVIJA, with dual stays and principle pin assembly, presenting maker’s cartouche, on reverse of of twelve o’clock star point, FM for W.F. Müller, hallmarked with the Riga national mark denoting years 1922 to 1940, hallmarked with .875 mark combined with national hallmark denoting years 1922 to 1940, measuring 75.46 mm (w) x 73.72 mm (h), and in 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.