This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
Instituted 1862 by Queen Victoria. Members Badge. A superbly crafted badge in 18kt Gold (tested), in the shape of the “VA” cipher, set with 65 half pearls and 6 central diamonds, the whole is surmounted by a silver Imperial Crown with a red enameled cap of maintenance, set with 40 old rose-cut diamonds across the band and frame with a principal diamond on the orb, reverse details the outline of the cipher with etching to portray a woven effect at the intersection of the letters, measuring 27.5mm (w) x 47mm (h- inclusive of surmounting crown and integral suspension ring), slightly tarnished below crown, period mounted on original white moire ribbon, better than extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Royal Order of Victoria and Albert was established by Queen Victoria on February 10, 1862. The Order was personally conferred, in four classes according to the rank of the recipient, by Queen Victoria upon female members of the royal family. A Sovereign's Badge was also worn by Queen Victoria. The Order ceased to be awarded upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The IV Class award was presented to the women of Bedchamber.
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.