Hohenlohe, Principality. A House Order of the Golden Flame in Gold, I Class Knight, c.1790

(Hausorden von der Goldenen Flamme). Instituted on 25 December 1757. A fine and early award featuring a Maltese Cross in 14k Gold, with white-enamelled arms bearing gold painted details, with golden rays between the cross arms, the obverse centre presents a blue-enamelled ring bearing a beautiful hand-painted phoenix rising from flames, with the motto IN SENIO painted above the phoenix, circumscribed by a ring of red enamel, the reverse presents a golden, multi-rayed square bearing the red enamelled monogram PE (Philipp Ernst), surmounted by a blue and white enamelled crown, stamped on flat loop and integral ring with the number 585 for gold content, measuring 35.56 mm (w) x 39.58 mm (h), weighing 13.2 grams, on loop for suspension from period original ribbon, presenting chipped enamel on crown on reverse and general overall enamel wear, otherwise remains better than very 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.