This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Ordinul Steaua României). Instituted on 10 May 1878 by Prince Carol I. Type Ia (Civil Division). (1877-1932 issue). A hollow enameled blue Romanian Cross in silver gilt, the quadrants embellishing by rounded gilded rays of different lengths, obverse centre exhibiting a superposed gilded Romanian eagle on a pleasant enameled red background, surrounding by a blue enameled border with the inscription IN FIDE SALUS (In Faith is the Salvation), as well as a solid outsider enameled green laurel wreath, reverse centre with a superposed gilded cypher of Carlos I, on pleasant enameled red background, encircling by an enameled green laurel wreath, surmounting by a large Romain royal crown also in silver gilt, marked on loop and ring with Austrian hallmark denoting .800 silver purity between 1922-1925, together with another hallmark denoting same fineness, measuring 63.59 mm (w) x 90.98 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), presenting cracked blue enamels, with slightly gilt loss, on an original neck ribbon, very fine.
Footnote: Prior to the establishment of the Order of the Star of Romania in 1877, another order had been envisioned in 1863 under the rule of Alexander Ioan Cuza. Cuza did not, however, officially institute the order before he was deposed by a coup in 1866. The awards that had been conferred were considered to be personal gifts and never state decorations.
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.