Sweden, Kingdom. An Order of the Sword, I Class Grand Cross, c.1900

(Kungliga Svärdsorden). Instituted by King Frederick I of Sweden on 23 February 1748. Type II. (1871-1919 Issue). A high quality set, likely of French manufacture, consisting of a Gold sash badge of the order, with a white enamelled Maltese Cross in saltire (i.e. X shaped), with Gold crowns with enamelled jewels in each quadrant, with a pair of crossed Gold swords with blue enamelled scabbards with downward turned blades lie across the opening between the upper arms of the cross at the top of the badge, particular to the 1st Class award, upright Gold and blue enamelled swords lay across the openings of the 3 and 9 o'clock arms and an identical pair of crossed Gold and blue swords with downwards turned blades across the opening of the 6 o'clock arms of the cross at the bottom of the badge, the pairs of crossed swords are bound to the cross by a single Gold ribbon, obverse centre medallion presenting an upright gold sword between three gold crowns on a blue enamelled background, reverse centre medallion with an upright gold sword intersecting a Gold laurel wreath and the Latin Motto Pro Patria (For Fatherland) on a blue enamelled background, the badge is adorned by a Royal crown with enamelled jewels, measuring 53 mm (w) x 77 mm (h - inclusive of crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), with near flawless enamels, near mint. Accompanied by the star of the order, exhibiting French manufacturing characteristics, consisting of a silver hand detailed Maltese cross with groups of five rays and a bronze gilt Royal crown in each quadrant, obverse centre with vertical bronze gilt sword with three crowns on blue enamel background, ornate gilt surround, reverse with pin assembly, toned silver, measuring 79 mm (w) x 79 mm (h), with light enamel contact, otherwise extremely fine.

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.