United Kingdom. A Royal Victorian Order, K.c.v.o., Knight Commander, By Collingwood & Co., C.1920

Instituted in 1896. Badge: in silver gilt with red, blue and green enamels, number impressed ""K308"" on the reverse, measuring 51.7 mm (w) x 55 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the centrepiece ring, scattered gilt wear, on its original full-length neck ribbon: and Breast Star: in silver with red and blue enamels, mounted to a cross base with four faceted arms, with nine faceted rays between each arm, number impressed ""308"" on the reverse, pin and both screws securing the insignia cross to the base in Gold, measuring 72.8 mm (w) x 72 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels. Better than very fine. Accompanied by a Card Entitled ""The Royal Victorian Order"", explaining the proper wearing of the awards, printed in black and red inks on a card stock, measuring 202 mm (w) x 88 mm (h), in their hardshelled case of issue, marked ""K.C.V.O."" on the lid, images of both awards offset into the white satin lining and maker marked ""COLLINGWOOD & Co LONDON"" on the inside lid, raised platform with two recessed medal beds for the awards, label inscribed ""K 308:"" affixed to the bottom, push release on the side, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, case fine.

Footnote: The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognizes distinguished personal service to the monarch of the Commonwealth realms, members of the monarch's family, or to any viceroy or senior representative of the monarch. The present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is the Sovereign of the order, its motto is Victoria, and its official day is June 20th. The order's chapel is the Savoy Chapel in London. There is no limit on the number honoured at any grade, and admission remains at the sole discretion of the monarch, with each of the order's five grades and one medal with three levels representing different levels of service. While all those honoured may use the prescribed styles of the order, the top two grades grant titles of knighthood, and all grades accord distinct post-nominal letters, the Royal Victorian Order's precedence among other honours differs from realm to realm and admission to some grades may be barred to citizens of those realms by government policy. 

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.