France, Second Empire. An Order Of The Crown Of Westphalia, Royal Prince Grand Cross, C.1870

(Orden der Westfälischen Krone). Instituted 25th of December, 1809 by King Hieronymus I of Westphalen. Manufactured as a later example during the second half of the 19th Century, consisting of a finely embroidered star with alternating scaled and smooth arms, twisted silver bullion shaped to form boarders on each individual ray, with an eyelet on each ray point, obverse centre in silver and separately applied using four prongs, centre iconography of an eagle and lion adorned by a single crown, the horse of Westphalia, the lion of Cassel, all surmounted by the imperial eagle carrying lightning, on which is written I THE UNITED, blue enameled surround with gilt script "CHARACTER UND AUFRICHTIGKEIT" (English: Character and honesty) "ERRICHTET DEN XXV DEZEMBER MDCCCIX", reverse with original black paper backing measuring 80.50 mm (w) x 91 mm (h - inclusive of silver eyelets), very 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.