Russia, Imperial. An Order Of The White Eagle, Badge Of The Order, By Albert Keibel, C.1900

(О́рден Бе́лого Орла́). Instituted 1 November 1705 by Augustus II. Reinstituted 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1896-1908 issue). A particularly impressive turn of the century order from the workshop of Albert Keibel, in solid Gold, featuring a black enameled double-headed Romanov Imperial Eagle with hand carved detailing, overlaid by a red enamelled Maltese Cross with white borders and ball finials, in turn bearing a Polish-style imperial eagle in Gold with white well executed enamel feathers, reverse with intricate black enameled feathers, overlaid by a red and white enameled MARIA monogram, the heads of the Romanov eagle each bearing a loop accommodating a suspension apparatus in the form of a Gold crown with blue, red, and white enamels, with loop attaching to a ring suspending the decoration from an early 20th century sash, stamped on the reverse of the eagle’s talons with Cyrillic initials “АК” denoting the Royal jeweler Albert Keibel as well as a Gold zolotnik mark of “56” with the symbol of the city of St. Petersburg, also well marked on crown suspension with Cyrillic initials “АК” for maker Albert Keibel, a Romanov royal warrant, a Gold zolotnik mark of 56, and the emblem of the city of St. Petersburg, measuring 60.11 mm (w) x 89.12 mm (inclusive of suspension), weighing 89.8 grams, with enamel loss and repair to blue suspension ribbon, very 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.