Hawaii, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, III Class Commander, by Kretly, Paris, c.1883

(Hawaii Ke Kalaunu e Hookanaka). Instituted 1848 by H.M. King Kamehameha III. Revived and expanded by King Kalakaua I on 12th September 1882. A desirable and rare set of insignia consisting of the badge, a Gold leopold cross with white enamel arms, surmounted by a large crown with detailed red, white and green enamels around the bound, centre obverse features a Gold crown on a white enamel background with a blue surround, on which is inscribed HAWAII KE KALAUNU (Crown of Hawaii) with laurels at 6 o’clock, reverse centre mirrors the obverse, measures 54mm (w) x 84mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension and horizontally pierced ball adorned by crown), obverse central medallion slightly loose, enamels fully intact, on original full-length neck ribbon, near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the Star of the Order, a convex multi-rayed four-point silver star, each individual ray having a detailed etched border, with an overlaid large white enamelled Leopold cross in Gold,centre obverse features a Gold crown on a white enamel background with a blue surround, on which is inscribed HAWAII KE KALAUNU (Crown of Hawaii) with laurels at 6 o’clock,, reverse with typical French style pin assembly, dual stays, with attractive makers mark for Kretly, Paris, measuring 81 mm (w) x 81mm (h), toned silver with areas of light wear throughout, light crazing on 6 o’clock arm, catch has been reattached to reverse, near very fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaii was originally founded by Kamehameha III as the Order of the Crown and Cross in 1848. It was revived by King Kalakaua on September 12, 1882 to commemorate his accession to the throne, and is considered the first royal knighthood for the Hawaiian Kingdom. The Order was awarded specifically for exceptional services rendered to the Sovereign or the State of Hawaii. The Commander was conferred on 71 individuals. The Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaii was the last order to be awarded (Companion, James Dunn, Hawaiian Consul Glasgow, 1892) before the monarchy was overthrown. However, the Order has recently been revived and amended by HRH Princess Owana Ka’ohelelani Salazar, Head of Royal House of Keoua Nui and Grandmaster of the Order in 2017, to again recognize distinguished service to the Hawaiian Nation. Kretly was the official manufacturer for Hawaiian Orders from 1881-1883. 

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.