Braunschweig, Dukedom. A Haus Order of Henry the Lion, Grand Cross with Swords, by Hermann Jürgens, c.1914

(Herzoglich Braunschweigischer Orden Heinrichs des Löwen, Großkreuz mit Schwertern durch die Mitte). Instituted on 25 April 1834 by William VIII. 1909-1918 Issue. A superb set consisting of a large sash badge in silver gilt, featuring an eight-pointed, light-blue enamelled Maltese Cross, with golden border and golden ball finials, hand painted on all but the lower cross arms are peacock feathers in naturalistic representation, on the lower arm of the cross is the helmet of the Braunschweig coat of arms, between the arms are crowned monogram W for Wilhelm, centre obverse shows a white column with a jumping, white Hanoverian horse, over a red background, reverse presents a red enamelled medallion with the motto IMMOTA FIDES (UNSHAKABLY FAITHFUL), encircled in golden lettering with the year of foundation MDCCCXXXIV (1834), the cross is topped by a Hanoverian lion connected to a partially enamelled crown and green-enamelled laurel branches, silver hallmark 900 and crown, measures 62.37 mm (w) x 95.74 mm (h), on loop for suspension from a mid 20th Century sash, minor gilt loss, loss of green enameling to laurels, otherwise extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order in silver, consisting of an eight-pointed, multiple ray star with swords through the centre medallion, obverse centre presents a light blue enamelled Maltese cross, bearing a red-enamelled medallion depicting a golden monogram W surmounted by a golden crown, surrounded by the motto IMMOTA FIDES in golden, capital letters, circumscribed by a border of silver ring, reverse centre presents the maker cartouche of HERM. JÜRGENS, HOFJUWLIER BRAUNSCHWEIG, with a barrel hinge and a narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, measuring 88.75 mm (w) x 87.65 mm (h), weighing 86.4 grams, with enamel chipping on nine o’clock arm, and in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: Two awarded of the Grand Cross with Swords through the Middle, 36 awarded of the Breast Star to the Grand Cross with Swords.

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.