Albania, Italian Protectorate. An Order Of Fidelity, Grand Cordon, C.1942

(Urdhëri i Besa, Kordon i Madh me Yll). House of Zogu. Instituted 1926. Type II. 1940-1944 Issue. A silver gilt sash badge composed of a double headed eagle in black enamels, with intricate silver gilt rope surround presenting the motto of Royal House of Italy in light blue enamels FERT (Foedere et Religione Tenemur) (Latin: ""We are bound by treaty and by religion""), obverse centre with the Albanian crown on red enamel background flanked by dual faces, with individually affixed silver gilt letting BESA (also known as Order of Besa), with bronze gilt swivel crown, reverse presenting the maker’s cartouche E. Gardino Successors D. Cravanzola Rome, hallmarked on 6 o'clock arm with 925 silver and 66 | TU, measuring 52 mm (w) x 87 mm (h - inclusive of crown), with large suspension ring, on original complete silk sash, worn, near extremely fine. Accompanied by the impressive Grand Cordon star, composed of a hand filed six armed silver gilt star, multiple rays, with 18 silver double headed eagles individually riveted to base and each of fine detail, obverse centre presenting a black enameled double headed eagle with BESA and crossed swords, surrounded by rope and knot on black enameled background, reverse with pin assembly as well as maker’s cartouche E. Gardino Successors D. Cravanzola Rome, measuring 77 mm (w) x 89 mm (h), extremely fine. Scarce.

Footnote: The Order was instituted by Royal Decree 390 of 16 April 1940 and 392 of 18 April 1940 by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy as King of Albania ‘‘Me dallue e me shpërblye meritimet e veçanta të fitueme nga qytetarët Shqiptarëe, Italianë e të huej në çdo lame aktiviteti civil e ushtarak ndaj Kombit Shqiptar, tue I njoftë këtij Urdhëni randësinë ma të madhe’ (To distinguish and reward the special merits of the Albanian, Italian and other foreign citizens to the Albanian nation in every area of civil and military activity, giving this Order the highest hierarchy). Gjergj Kastrioti (1405-1468), known as Skanderbeg, was an Albanian nobleman and noted military commander, who served the Ottoman Empire in 1423–43, the Republic of Venice in 1443–47, and finally the Kingdom of Naples until his death in 1468.

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.