Bhutan, Kingdom. A Royal Family Order of Bhutan, I Class Grand Cross, by Spinks & Son, c.1966

Instituted by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck 1966. Type I. First Issue. Likely issued within the Royal family in 1966, consisting of an impressive sash badge in silver gilt with white enamels, obverse centre illustrating the left-facing bust of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan, surrounded by a ring in red enamels inscribed "BHUTAN" in Tibetan and English, mounted to a silver gilt with white enameled base, illustrating eight lotus petals, each of which bears a dorjee (thunderbolt) emanating from the centrepiece, measuring 63.7 mm (w) x 64.5 mm (h), chipping evident in the white enamels on three lotus petals on the left side, on its full-length original sash, near very fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of silver gilt sunburst with 56 individual rays, obverse centre presenting the left-facing bust of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, surrounded by a ring in red enamels inscribed "BHUTAN" in Tibetan and English, mounted to a multi-rayed sunburst base in silver with a bronze gilt, maker marked "SPINK & SON Ltd LONDON" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 82.5 mm in diameter, vertical pinback. Near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "BHUTAN / ROYAL FAMILY ORDER" on the lid, maker marked "SPINK & SON, LTD. LONDON" on the white satin inside lid, raised platform with recessed and slotted medal beds, light contact on the exterior, case near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal Order of Bhutan (Dzongkha : Druk Thuksey / Druk Thugsey, meaning "Son of the Heart of the Thunder Dragon") is a medal awarded by the King of Bhutan. It was established by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1966 and redesigned in 2008. It was initially called the Royal Family Order for personal family members and issued in one class, the Grand Cross, but was later changed to the Royal Order of Bhutan and issued in four classes. It is awarded to people who had contributed in a variety of ways to the socio-economic, religious and political development and growth of Bhutan. It can be presented to both Bhutanese citizens and foreign nationals. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (May 2, 1929 - July 21, 1972) was the Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan. He began to open Bhutan to the outside world, began modernization, and took the first steps toward democratization.

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.