Cambodia, French Colonial. A Royal Order Of Sowathara, Commander, By Adrien Chaubillon, C.1890

(លំដាប់រាជវង្សសូរ្យារ៉ា). (Meday Sowathara). (Ordre Cambodgien du Merite Agricole, Ordre Cambodgien du Bonheur de la Terre). Instituted 1923. Of ornate design, consisting of a four armed silver gilt star, each arm composed of a group of five individual rays, with stocks of corn, cotton, rice, and palm leaves in each quadrant, obverse centre presents the three towered hall of Angkor Vat on a green enameled background, with stylistically unique suspension of the Goddess of the Earth with twisting her hair and red and green robs, hallmarked on elongated suspension loop with boars head denoting French small silver guarantee post 1838, as well as "aXc" for Adrien Chaubillon, Paris measuring 56 mm (w) x 90 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), toned silver, on period faded green ribbon, better than 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.