Greece, Kingdom. An Order of the Redeemer in Gold, Officer's Cross, c.1855

(Τάγμα του Σωτήρος). Instituted in 1829. Type I. 1829-1862 Issue. In Gold, consisting of a white enameled Maltese cross with green laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting King Oto, blue enamel surround ΟΘΩΝ, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (""Otto, King of Greece""), reverse centre presenting a white cross on a blue background (the coat of arms of Greece) with Otto's Bavarian arms in an inescutcheon in the centre, with surround inscribed Η ΔΕΞΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΧΕΙΡ, ΚΥΡΙΕ, ΔΕΔΟΞΑΣΤΑΙ ΕΝ ΙΣΧΥΙ (""Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power"", Exodus, 15:6), weighing 16.6 grams, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 63.5 mm (h - inclusive of its crown suspension), repair evident in the blue enamels on the obverse centrepiece, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Redeemer (AKA Order of the Saviour) is an order of merit of Greece. The Order of the Redeemer is the oldest and highest decoration awarded by the modern Greek state. The establishment of the Order of the Redeemer was decided by the Fourth National Assembly at Argos in 1829, during the final year of the Greek War of Independence. The decision was not immediately implemented, however, and the relevant decree was signed in Nafplio by the Regency Council (Josef Ludwig von Armansperg, Karl von Abel and Georg Ludwig von Maurer) in the name of King Otto on May 20, 1833. According to the decree of establishment, the name of the Order ""shall recall the, by divine assistance miraculously and fortuitously accomplished, salvation of Greece"". According to the original decree, the Order was to be awarded to those Greek citizens who partook in the War of Independence, or ""who should distinguish themselves henceforth in any branch of public service, in the army and navy, in the diplomatic and judicial corps, in public administration, in the arts, science, agriculture and industry, commerce, or should distinguish themselves in any other social field through outstanding civic virtue, and through illustrious services to the Throne, for the Glory of the Hellenic name and for the welfare of the fatherland"", while foreigners were admitted either for past services to Greece, or due to their ability ""to bring honour to the Order, through their outstanding personal virtues and excellence"". Since its establishment in 1833, and in common with all Greek orders of merit, the Order of the Redeemer has five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Gold (Officer's) Cross and Silver (Knight's) Cross. 

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.