Romania, Kingdom. An Order of Carol the First, Grand Cross, c.1910

(Ordinul Carol I). The Grand Cross set consisting of a Grand Cross Badge and Grand Cross Star. The badge constructed of silver gilt clover cross with red enameled arms, and with sun rays emanating from between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a crowned Romanian eagle with a Latin cross, and with a central silver gilt medallion on the chest of the eagle, depicting a leftward facing Carol I of Romania above laurel leaf twigs; the eagle clutching a sword in the left talon and a scepter in the other, with a banner running beneath the eagle from left to right, reading “Prin Statornicie la Izbanda” (Latin - To Victory Through Steadiness); the reverse of the cross with red enameled arms, and a central red enameled medallion bearing the royal monogram of Carol I, surrounded by a blue ring of enamels, inscribed “1866 - 10 Maiu - 1906”; on a partially hollow swivel crown suspension with red enamels in the centre of the crown; on a horizontally pierced loop for suspension from its period original sash ribbon; measuring 77.35 mm (w) x 104.39 mm (h). The breast star constructed of an eight-pointed silver gilt star with rays emanating from the centre of the star; the obverse with a crowned Romanian eagle with a Latin cross, and with a central silver gilt medallion on the chest of the eagle, depicting a leftward facing Carol I of Romania above laurel leaf twigs; the eagle clutching a sword in the left talon and a scepter in the other, with a banner running beneath the eagle from left to right, reading “Prin Statornicie la Izbanda” (Latin - To Victory Through Steadiness); the reverse plain, with four rivets visible that hold the eagle in place; with a vertical pinback; measuring 88.55 mm (w) x 84.70 mm (h); weighing 87.2 grams. Light wear to the gilt from age, but in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: While this example is unmarked, a frequent maker of this Order is Paul Telge of Berlin

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.