Estonia. A Red Cross Order, I Class Grand Cross Star, c.1925

(Eesti Punase Risti teenetemärk). Instituted in 1920 by the Estonian Red Cross Society. A die stamped star in silver, consisting of eight beaded arms with clusters of individual faceted rays in each quadrant, 12 o'clock arm having been privately altered to included a hand made set of oak leaves and acorn, obverse centre presenting a red enameled cross with white enamel and gilt boarders, central medallion with three Estonian lions in blue enamel on a gold enamel background, with a national colour surround and silver gilt oak leaves, reverse with privately constructed backplate affixed to cross via centrel screwpost, dual stays and a principle pin assembly, measuring 83 mm (w) x 81 mm (h), minor enamel contact, 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.