Greece. An Order Of The Orthodox Crusaders Of The Patriarchy Of Jerusalem, Grand Officer's Neck Badge

Greece; Multi-piece construction, silver gilt with blue, green and black enamels, Gold and enamelled obverse centrepiece illustrating Christ, inscribed on the centrepiece ring in Greek "ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ, ΝΙΚΑ" (In This Sign You Will Win) above and "ΙΕΡΟΥΣΑΛΗΜ ΜΗΤΗΡ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΩΝ" (Jerusalem Mother of the Churches) below, the reverse centrepiece illustrating the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, inscribed on the centrepiece ring in French "JERUSALEM MÈRE DES EGLISES" (Jerusalem Mother of the Churches), the bottom of the cross inscribed in Greek "ΕΝ ΕΤΕΙ 312" (Issue 312), eagle's head hallmarked on the left edge near the bottom of the cross, screw pin at the base of the cross and when removed, allows the badge to open to reveal a relic compartment, which is empty, 46.5 mm (w) x 105.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, on its original full-length neck badge, obverse with fine chipping evident in the green enamels on the wreath, otherwise the enamels are intact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Orthodox Crusaders of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem was instituted in 1925. It is not connected to the Greek State, but directly awarded by the Head of the Greek Orthodox Church, kept in the highest consideration and importance. It is awarded to the highest personalities, in recognition of outstanding merits in the defence of Christianity.

 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.