China, Republic. An Order of the Striped Tiger, II Class, c.1915

(文虎勳章). (Wen-Hu). Instituted 1912. Military Division. Of Chinese manufacture, consisting of 2nd Class sash badge in silver with eight arms composed of five rays representing the colours of the Chinese Republic, obverse centre with silver gilt sun burst displaying 2 separately affixed stars denoting a 2nd Class award, with large enameled tiger at centre affixed by post, large green enameled laurel suspension with red enamel ribbon, measuring 74.5 mm (w) x 110 mm (h - inclusive of laurel suspension and horizontally pierced ring), with enamel wear and flak to centre background enamel, with fine original silk sash with 2nd Class colours, with large rosette and bronze gilt length adjustment bar, overall very fine. Accompanied by impressive star of the order, concave, in silver with eight enameled arms composed of five rays representing the colours of the Chinese Republic, obverse centre with silver gilt sun burst with 2 separately affixed stars denoting a 2nd Class award, with large enameled tiger at centre affixed by rivet, reverse with dual stays and pin assembly, measuring 81 mm (w) x 81 mm (h), with enamel loss at centre and hairline cracking on rays, otherwise near very fine. In original case of issue, with basim wood frame with typical heavy black lacquered finish, exterior lid with hand painted gold Chinese characters stating Second Class Order of the Striped Tiger, with red silk padded interior and red velvet medal bed, interior lid with hand painted Chinese characters in black stating Republic of China, with loose hinge, good/fine.

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.