Saxony, Kingdom. An Albrecht Order in Gold, Grand Cross in Case, by G.A. Scharffenberg, c.1900

(Albrecht-Orden, Großkreuz und Bruststern). Instituted 1850 by King Friedrich August II of Saxony. Type II. (1876-1918 Issue). A Gold, white-enamelled Latin Cross, with green-enamelled laurels detailed with red enamelled berries between the cross’s arms, obverse presenting with a central medallion composed of a Gold relief of Duke Albrecht III of Saxony inside a blue enamelled ring bearing the Order’s motto of ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS (ALBERT THE MERCIFUL), reverse with a central medallion composed of a crowned royal coat of arms in Gold and enamels, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring bearing the Order’s institution date of 1850, measuring 53.24 mm (w) x 92.33 mm (h - inclusive of Imperial Crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by a cross), on loop for suspension from period original green and white silk sash, with light enamel wear, extremely fine. Accompanied by the Star of the order, an eight-pointed gilded silver star, with clusters of smooth armed rays in each quadrant, obverse presenting with a central medallion composed of a gilded relief of Duke Albrecht III of Saxony inside a blue enamelled ring bearing the Order’s motto of ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS (ALBERT THE MERCIFUL) along with arabesques towards the bottom of the enamelled ring, the reverse presents a vertical banjo pin and functional hinge/catch assembly, pin is maker marked S for Scharffenberg, along with a round medallion plate on the reverse bearing the maker mark for G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 91.92 mm (w) x 92.26 mm (h), weighing 87.3 grams, accompanied by the case constructed of thick pressed paper with a dark red faux leather exterior, the obverse is embossed in gold with the royal coat of arms, the interior is lined with white satin and embossed with maker Scharffenberg’s details, with a red velvet recessed medal bed, intact and functional clasp closures, the reverse marked with a tag for Ordensband-Lager C.E. Kunath, Dresden, measuring 21 cm (w) x 14.5 cm (h) x 4 cm (h), with patinia, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: 784 awarded.

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.