France, Second Republic. A Literary Society's Indian Moghul Empire Order, Grand Cross, By Garrard, C.1845

An uncommon and interesting award created by the French Literary Society as a memento of the Indian Moghul Empire and commissioned by the Garrard firm out of London, consisting of a Grand Cross sash badge of the order consisting of a 16 armed star in silver, each with a ball finial, obverse centre in Gold with blue enamel depicting profile of Muhammad Ali in silver, DFLDIR and laurels in surround, reverse centre also in Gold with blue enamels depicting a silver gilt palm tree with GLOIRE A DIEU and laurel surround, a hollow silver gilt swivel suspension described by Dr.Goodwin as a gold turban with small crescent, measuring 58 mm (w) x 81.2 mm (h - inclusive of suspension and horizontally pierced integral ball), better than fine. Accompanied by breast star, in silver gilt and blue enamels, with centrepiece inscribed "DELDIR" in the centre surrounded by the inscription "ORDRE.ASIATIQUE", maker marked "HG" (Garrard of London), hallmarked with the British lion, marked with a leopard's head (made in London), date marked with a Gothic "H" (1843) and marked with the profile of Queen Victoria, measuring 55.2 mm (w) x 60 mm (h), original vertical pinback held in place by a modern pin fed through the hinge, enamel loss, traces of gilt remains, fair.

Footnote: This order was first mentioned on page 41 of the 1891 publication of Genouillac - ""Nouveau Dictionnaire des Ordres de Chevalerie"" as an order ""created by the sultan mogul Alina d’Eldir during his stay in France; the statutes were authorized July 6th 1835 and approved some time later by the Holy Apostolic See. It was intended to reward those persons who distinguished themselves by their splendid actions, their merit, and their virtues, whatever their nation. The members were divided into five classes: Honorary Knights, Knights, Officers, rand cross, commanders. It ceased to be conferred with the death of the sultan in 1851."" Dr. Goodwin, who also studied this order, stated in the 1958 JOMSA Journal, vol.9, pages 6-10 that sultan mogul Alina d’Eldir established the order during his 1835 visit to France. However, after further research by OMSA members in the mid 20th century, it was proven that this set was an award designed and created by a French literary social after being inspired by the history of the Indian Moghul Empire. 

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.