China, Republic. An Order Of The Precious Brilliant Golden Grain, I Class Grand Cross Badge, C.1915

(Order of Chia-Ho (嘉禾)). 1912-1928 issue. An impressive large badge, presenting a seven-pointed star composed of multiple rays in silver gilt, superposing by a four-armed cross in chartreuse-enamelling also in silver gilt, with cluster of smaller silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre embellishing by a central red glass pastes surrounded by an enameled hand-painted golden grain, as well as an enameled chartreuse border displaying seventeen smaller red glasses, reverse exhibiting central plaque with Chinese characters for Central Chinese Mint manufacturing and the name of the Order, measuring 81.62 mm (w) x 81.20 mm (h), with loss of laurel suspension and later addition of an integral ring, enamel loss to each arm, missing two red pastes, centre cross loose, fair.

Footnote: The Order of the Precious Brilliant Golden Grain was founded presumably by President Yuan Shikai on July 29, 1912 in five classes. Some Chinese sources stand it was awarded to senior military and political leaders to commemorate their contributions during the 1911 Revolution with the level of award dependent on their status or rank. It may also be awarded to foreigners and Chinese citizens for meritorious contribution in the consolidation of the Chinese Republic. The Order was active in China between 1912-1928. 

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.