Romania, Kingdom. An Order of the Star, Grand Cross with Swords, by Joseph Resch, c.1925

(Ordinul Steaua României). Instituted on 10 May 18778 by Prince Carol I. Type Ib. (1877-1932 Issue). Peacetime Military Division. A large hollow sash badge in silver gilt, consisting of a blue enameled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in each quadrant, gilded obverse centre featuring Romanian Eagle on a red enamelled background, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green laurel wreath, reverse with superposed gilded cypher of King Carlos I on a red enamelled background, surrounded by a laurel wreath with green enamels, surmounted by a large gilded Royal Crown, maker mark on bottom of six o’clock cross arm for RESCH, measuring 75.80 mm (w) x 122.50 mm (h - inclusive of crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), weighing 87.4 grams, with toned silver, enamel loss to laurels, on period original silk sash, and in very fine condition Accompanied by the breast star, constructed of silver, consisting of eight-points, each arm composed of ten faceted rays, the obverse centre presents a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in each quadrant, with swords crossed behind, with a gilded obverse centre featuring Romanian Eagle on a red enameled background, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by IN FIDE SALUS (IN FAITH IS THE SALVATION), encircled by a green laurel wreath, reverse centre presents a principle pin assembly, maker marked with cartouche of Joseph Resch & Fils, Bucharest, measuring 96.14 mm (w) x 96.21 mm (h), weighing 90.3 grams, fine quality manufacture, nice old patina, no enamel chipping, and in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Star of Romania was established by Prince Carol I, the future King Carol I, in 1877 in the first official act of the sovereign nation of Romania. The Order was later suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 1998 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently conferred upon Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service to Romania. It had also been awarded to foreign military personnel in the First and Second World War.

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.