Norway, Kingdom. An Order of St. Olav in Gold, I Class Knight with Swords, by J.Tostnup, c.1880

(Den Kongelige Norske Sankt Olavs Orden). Instituted August 21 1947 by King Oscar. 1847-1905 Issue. Type I. Military Division. A Gold Maltese cross with white enamel arms, with crowned monograms “O” between each arm of the cross, bearing blue enamel crossed swords between the center and the surmounting imperial crown with white, red and green enamels, obverse centre depicts a rampant lion bearing a battle axe on a red enamel background, with two outer white enamel rings separated by a blue enamel ring, centre reverse bears inscription “RET OG SANDHED” (Justice and Truth) on a red enamel background with two outer white enamel rings separated by a blue enamel ring, marked “ET” on obverse of cross adorning surmounting crown, measures 40 mm (w) x 59 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), 16.7 grams with ribbon, with enamel cracking to Maltese cross, enamel loss to crown jewels and overall wear, original ribbon, remains good/fine. Accompanied by its’ original hardshell case of issue, maker marked on interior lid “J. TOSTNUP ORDENS JUWELER 0240”, functional clasp, slight wear in the fabric overlying the hinged area on the right side, exterior scuffed on top and bottom, case 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.