Netherlands, Kingdom. An Order Of The Lion In Gold, With Commander Small Decoration, C.1860

(De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw). Instituted by King William I of the Netherlands on 29 September 1815. A finely manufactured Gold Maltese cross with white enamels and ball finials, stylized "W" in each quadrant representing King William I, obverse centre presenting a crowned Imperial Lion with sword, reverse centre in blue enamel presenting the order Motto Virtus Nobilitat, order adorned by finely made Royal crown which swivels on the ball finials of the 12 o'clock arm, well hallmarked on cross on horizontally peirced ball suspension and reverse of "W" in 2 o'clock quadrant with a lions head denoting Dutch Gold manufacture of small items 750-916/1000 from 1814-1906, maker marked W (crown) V on ring, measuring 40 mm (w) x 61 mm (w), with light enamel cracking, remains near extremely fine. Accompanied by the Small Decoration of the Commander of the order, also in Gold, consisting an oval Gold field with reduced size version of the order a white enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, stylized "W" in each quadrant, measuring 31 mm (w) x 21 mm (h), mounted on period ribbon, extremely fine.

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.