Romania, Kingdom. An Order Of Carol I, Collar And Badge By Paul Telge, C.1906

(Ordinul Carol I). Instituted on 10 May 1906 by King Carol I. A beautiful collar of the order, composed of silver gilt and enamel, consisting of twenty-two links, twelve of which present the double “C” cypher with a red enamel “I” in the center, the remaining ten links represent the crests of the Romanian Provinces (Wallachia- the traditional eagle with cross, sword and scepter on blue enamel; Moldavia- the bull with star and moon; Dobrogea- two dolphins on blue enamel; Oltenia and Banat- the lion on the bridge on red enamel background) and the black and white crest of the Royal House of Hohenzollern, the central link presents a silver crown with red enamel interior cap, adorned by a small cross, the reverse of the links are plain silver gilt with lightly etched border designs, the pinch and slide clasp link obverse bears a silver eagle with sword and scepter, the reverse is delicately etched on the slide and in the center is marked with the national German crescent moon and crown and 900 mark denoting the silver quality, below the maker mark PAUL TELGE BERLIN is impressed, the entire collar measures 715mm in length with crest links measuring 21.94mm (w) x 18.80mm (h) and “C” cypher links measuring 19.23mm (w) x 19.82mm (h), the collar inluding badge weighs 181.1 grams, scattered gilt wear on numerous links, enamel in links well intact, blue enamel of one Wallachia crest covers the gilt sun, the clasp is in working order, very fine condition. The collar badge is connected to the central link, and presents a red enamel shamrock cross with eight Gold rays between each arm, super imposed by a silver crowned eagle with a silver gilt cross in its mouth and a sword and scepter in its talons, the central medallion bears the left facing portrait of Carol I with crossed laurel branches underneath in a Gold ring, an intertwined ribbon under the medallion is inscribed with the motto PRIN STATORNICE LA ISBINDA (Through Perseverance to Success) in blue enamel, the reverse presents a red enamel shamrock cross with eight silver gilt rays in each quadrant, the central medallion features the Royal “C” cypher on a red enamel field surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed “1866 10 MAIU 1906”, the badge is suspended from the silver and red enamel crown collar link, measuring 60.82mm (w) x 64mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), enamel repair to the blue ring otherwise enamels are well preserved and intact, light gilt wear, otherwise extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Carol I was established in 1906 in commemoration of the 40-year reign of King Carol I. It ranked equally with the Order of Ferdinand I as the highest decoration in Romania until 1947 when it was abolished along with the Romanian monarchy. It is currently awarded as a dynastic order by the House of Romania and is no longer associated with the state. The Order of Carol I was conferred upon members of the Romanian Royal Family, as well as upon prominent Romanian citizens and foreigners. It could also be awarded posthumously, but only under exceptional circumstances. Women were first received into the Order in 1944. The King was the Grand Master.

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.