Russia, Imperial. An Order of the White Eagle, Grand Cross Star, by Eduard, c.1910

(О́рден Бе́лого Орла́). Instituted 1 November 1705 by Augustus II. Re-instituted 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1908-1910 Issue). A finely made star in silver gilt, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star with a central red and white enameled Maltese Cross inside of a gilt ring, a blue enameled surround featuring the raised gilt Order motto of “PRO FIDE REGE ET LEGE” (“FOR FAITH, KING, AND LAW”), reverse with a barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked “Эдуард” (“Eduard”) for the firm of Eduard Ferdinandovich Dietvald, with a kokoshnik silver purity mark of “84” alongside the symbol of the city of St. Petersburg, and Cyrillic initials “ИЛ” (Metalsmith Itska Lozinsky), measuring 89.69 mm (w) x 89.92 mm (h), weighing 57.0 grams, centre applique loose, otherwise in very 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.