Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. An Order Of The Star Of Brabant, Dame Of The Honour Cross, C.1914

(Stern vom Brabant Ehrenkreuzdame). Instituted 1914. An extremely rare cross constructed of silver gilt with rounded arms, with a gilt eight-pointed star superimposed in the centre of the badge behind a round silver gilt applique; the obverse with the arms of the cross in blue enamels, with two turquoise balls in-between each of the arms of the cross, as well as with a single turquoise ball on-top of the eight-pointed star; the reverse with a central enameled medallion bearing the letter “H” for “Heinrich”, topped by a royal Hessian crown; on a broad loop for suspension from a period original shortened ribbon; of a reduced size measuring 44.15 mm (w) x 48.49 mm (h); weighing 23.7 grams; in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This Order of the Star of Brabant Dame of the Honour Cross, was awarded to three recipients, being Marie Erbach-Schönberg (1914), Marie Rothe (1917), and Sofie Freiin von Follenius (1917), the latter two being high-ranking members of the Alice Association for Women’s Education. 

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.