Brunswick, Dukedom. A House Order of Henry the Lion, I Class Merit Cross, by H.Jürgens, c.1915

(Orden Heinrichs des Löwen, Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 25 April 1834 by Herzog Wilhelm VIII. (1912-1918 issue). In silver, consisting of a Latin Cross with ball finials, with green enameled oak leaf laurels joining the quadrants, obverse with a central monogram of Wilhelm VIII topped by a royal crown inside a ribbed oval border, the arms of the cross inscribed with a raised motto of “IMMOTA FIDES” (“UNBREAKABLE FIDELITY”), on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Hermann Jürgens, Braunschweig (Brunswick) and silver hallmarked, measuring 29.67 mm (w) x 38.73 mm (h), weighing 10.8 grams, minor tarnishing evident but otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

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.