This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Königliche Kronen-Orden, II. Klasse Kreuz mit Bruststern). Instituted 18 October 1861 by Kaiser Wilhelm I. (1867-1918 issue). A fine example of the Prussian Order of the Crown, II Class with the neck award crafted in Gold, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms, obverse with a central gilt medallion bearing a royal crown, within a ring of blue enamel with gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD IS WITH US”) and arabesques, the reverse with a central gilt medallion with the monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm I, within a ring of blue enamel with Gold inscription of “DEN 18. OCTOBER” (“THE 18th of OCTOBER”) and date of “1861”, the twelve o’clock arm with a loop accommodating a suspension ring connecting to a period original shortened neck ribbon, marked "N" on 6 o'clock arm denoting the workshop of Neuhaus &Sohn, Berlin, measuring 51.76 mm (w) x 55.69 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, with light contact to enamels, otherwise extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Star of the order, constructed of patinated silver with Gold and enamels, consisting of a four-pointed radiant star, obverse with a central Gold applique bearing crown, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel with gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD IS WITH US”) and arabesques, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, measuring 79.97 mm (w) x 80.16 mm (h), weighing 66.4 grams, minor tarnishing evident, otherwise in extremely fine condition.
Provenance Footnote: Together, both were displayed by Dr.Goodwin on a presentation card stating "BESTOWAL - SIGNED WILHELM TO MAJ GEN WERNER VON DER OSTEN". A possible candidate for this recipient is Lieutenant Colonel Baron Werner von der Osten-Sacken of the 5th Brandenburg Infantry Regiment No. 48.
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.