This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Den Kongelige Norske Sankt Olavs Orden). Military Division. Type II. 1905-1937 Issue. Instituted in 1030 by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden. Of high quality manufacture, a hollow ball-tipped enameled white Maltese Cross in Gold, featuring crowned detailed cyphers of St. Olav in each quadrant also in Gold, suspending by Norwegian royal crown in Gold with enameled details, encompassing with a period Gold lion suspension with an axe, obverse centre exhibiting a superposed Gold Norwegian royal lion, on an enameled red background, embellished by an enameled white and blue outsider surround, centre surmounting by crossed enameled blue swords in silver gilt, denoting Military issue, reverse centre in red enamels displaying a wearing lettering standing for “RET OG SANDHED” (Justice and Truth), with a surrounded white and blue-bordered, loop suspension hallmarking by Norwegian hallmark denoting 18 carat, together with a maker's mark of J. Tostrup, major manufacturer in Norway since its foundation in 1831, measuring 60.86 mm (w) x 96.50 mm (h - inclusive of lion suspension), weighting 32.4 grams, with bent ball finial on the 9 o’clock arm, with later addition of the swords, on an original neck ribbon, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Established by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden, this Order was instituted in commemoration of the Patron Saint of Norway, Saint Olaf, who died in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Initially, this Order was only awarded to Royals (including foreign Royals), Heads of State and Foreign Nationals. In 1985, the Order began to be awarded to Norwegians and foreigners for outstanding achievements rendered to the country and humanity.
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.