Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. An House Order, Knight’s Cross Second Class, c.1870

(Hausorden Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse). Issued 1864-1935. A silver Maltese cross with white enameled arms and ball finals, with rightward facing lions between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a round Gold central medallion of Ernst des Frommen, surrounded by a broad blue enameled ring inscribed FIDELITER & CONSTANTER (Latin - Loyal and Resistant) in Gold capitalized lettering, all surrounded by a Gold green enameled oak wreath; the reverse with a round central medallion featuring an enameled Coat of Arms, surrounded by a broad blue enameled ring inscribed D. 25 DECEMBER 1833 in Gold capitalized lettering; suspended from a hollow silver crown with a pierced horizontal ball suspension; accompanied by its period original ribbon; measuring 37.98 mm (w) x 57.91 (h - including its crown suspension); weighing 19.5 grams; the enamels severely chipped and missing on the six o’clock arm on the obverse, and on the twelve and six o’clock arms on the reverse; in fair 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.