United Kingdom. A Most Noble Order Of The Garter In Gold, Lesser George, C.1780

Instituted in 1348 by King Edward III. An exquisite and privately made Georgian piece, finely crafted in 18 ct Gold and possibly of continental origins, consisting of a white-on-white agate cameo of a left facing St. George slaying a downed Dragon, encompassed by the Garter in Gold bearing Latin motto HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Shame on Him Who Thinks Evil of It), surmounted by Gold acanthus leaves with ring suspension, reverse exhibiting detailed hand-etched scene of romanticized St. George on horseback, measuring 44.58 mm (w) x 70.65 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighting 67.6 grams, accompanied by a later blue ribbon with bow and ‘Albert’ swivel, presenting minor fractured edge on the agate cameo, remains very fine and rare.

Footnote: The Order of the Garter is the oldest order in the world in continuous existence. Scholars and historians have yet to come to a consensus regarding its origins but agree that it has existed since at least 1348. What it is clear is that the Order has been a value tool in internal politics, and it is also played an important role in Britain’s international affairs in the nearly six hundred and seventy years of its existence. 

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.