Denmark, Kingdom. An Order Of The Dannebrog, Grand Cross Star, By Gustave Wolfers, C.1900

(Dannebrogordenen). Instituted 1219 by King Valdemar II. King Christian IX Period. 1863-1906 issue. Of Belgian manufacture, a stylized multiple rayed eight-pointed faceted star in silver, obverse centre applique in Gold with red enamels, featuring a detailed four-armed cross with red enameled border with Gold edges, with a central cypher of Valdemar II in Gold, together with the motto GUD OG KONGEN (God and the King), reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, presenting mark’s cartouche RUE DE LA MADELAINE No 35, GUSTAVE WOLFERS, BRUXELLES, considered by experts as the finest jeweler in Belgium, presenting twice French hallmark denoting silver purity of 800/1000 between 1838-1962, catch with Danish import hallmark, measuring 81.52 mm (w) x 85.64 mm (h), with bent tips for wearing on the 7 o’clock and 11 o’clock arms, loss of one tip on the 3 o’clock arm, the makers cartouche partially erased, overall very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Dannebrog is an order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V. Until 1808, membership in the order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank who formed a single class known as White Knights. In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes. It is only awarded to royalty with close family ties with the Danish Royal House. The statutes were amended in 1951 so that both men and women could be members of the Order.

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.