Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of King Zvonimir's Crown, I Class, Civil Division, C.1942

(Red krune kralja Zvonimira). Instituted in 1941. Badge: in bronze gilt with white enamels, unmarked but of typical Braca Knaus of Zagreb manufacture, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 51.5 mm (h), on a shortened civil division neck ribbon); and Breast Star: cross in bronze gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, maker marked "GK" (Griesbach and Knaus), NDH state hallmarked, along with Serbian hallmarked with a woman's head with the Roman numeral "II" (900 silver) to her left and by a "B" (Belgrade) to her right within an oval on the reverse, Serbian hallmarked with a bird surmounted by the letter "B" (Belgrade) with the Roman numeral "II" (900 silver) to its right within a pentagon on the pin, measuring 71.5 mm (w) x 69.5 mm (h), vertical pinback). Both with intact enamels, scattered silvering wear on the Star, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir was an order awarded by the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). It was established by Croatian leader Ante Pavelić on May 17, 1941, as a "visible sign of decoration for merits done, in peace or in war, for Croatian people and the Independent State of Croatia"; awarded for achievements that benefit the people or state of Croatia.

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.