Latvia, I Republic. An Order Of The Three Stars, Grand Cross, By W. F. Müller, C.1930

(Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis). Instituted in 1924. Type I. 1924-1940 issue. A well produced sash badge consisting of a white enameled Maltese Cross with ball finials in silver gilt, featuring gilt clusters of individual rays in each quadrant, obverse centre in blue enamels superposing by three five-pointed stars in silver gilt, surrounded by delicate gilt border, with reverse inscribed PER ASPERA AS ASTRA LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA 1918 G 18 VOEMBRIS, surmounted by a solid laurel wreath also in silver gilt, hallmarked twice by Latvia hallmark denoting manufacture between 1920-1939, presenting former U.S.S.R. hallmark denoting silver purity of .875 between 1921-1958, also presenting maker’s mark “F.M.” from W. F. Müller, main Latvian manufacturer, with later Dutch hallmark denoting silver fineness of .835 since 1953 to present, measuring 51.12 mm (w) x 79.60 mm (h - inclusive integral ring), with minor loss of gilt, suspended by the sash of the order with detached bow, extremely fine; Together with the star of the order, a five-pointed cut silver star, with cluster rays of minor length in each quadrant, the obverse centrepiece in silver gilt featuring three superposed five-pointed stars on a beautiful enameled blue background, surrounded by a gilded border inscribed by PAR TEVIJU, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, presenting maker’s cartouche of W. F. Müller, Riga, Latvia, hallmarked twice by Latvia hallmark denoting manufacture between 1920-1939, with former U.S.S.R. hallmark symbolizing silver purity of .875 between 1921-1958, marked by maker’s mark “F.M.” , also hallmarked twice with later Dutch hallmark denoting silver fineness of .835 since 1953 to present, measuring 84.77 mm (w) x 83.40 mm (h), with minor toned silver and lost gilt, extremely fine.

Footnote: This Order is the highest national decoration conferred to recognize civil merit. It was founded by the Latvian parliament as an award for outstanding civil merit and to commemorate the founding of Latvia. Although this Order was suppressed in 1940 with the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union, it was re-established in 1994 after Latvia regained independence.

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.