China, Beiyang Government. A Cao Kun Inauguration Decoration, C.1923

( 曹锟 ) Commander in Cheif of Zhi Lu Yu Province. In silver gilt, consisting a five armed star in white enamels with blue boardering, white and pink flowers in each quadrant, ball finials, obverse centre with image of Cao Kun in military dress, with red enameled surround (Cao Kun President of the Republic of China on 1923.10.10), reverse centre applique in fine light blue enamels with crossed flags of the Republic of China (1912 -1928) and the Chinese Republic Army Standard, as well as wheat stocks, measuring 49 mm (w) x 57 mm (h - inclusive of integral suspension), with reverse centre slightly turned counter clockwise, with enamel loss, on original ribbon, good/fine.

Footnote: Cao Kun was a Chinese warlord and politician, who served the President of the Republic of China from 1923 to 1924, as well as the military leader of the Zhili clique in the Beiyang Army. He also served as a trustee of the Catholic University of Peking. 

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.