United States. An Order Of The Crown Of Charlemagne, Knight Commander, C.1940

Instituted 1939. Cross: In bronze gilt with white enamels, measuring 39.8 mm (w) x 64 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and ball suspension, original ribbon; accompanied by matching Star in bronze gilt with white enamels, measuring 85 mm (w) x 85.3 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, insignia slightly loose versus the star base. Intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Charlemagne was organized in the United States on January 1, 1939 and incorporated in the District of Columbia on October 10, 1939. It is an independent patriotic and lineal society named in honour of the Emperor Charles the Great (742-814) and also named after an ancient noble and chivalric order in Europe, which according to tradition was instituted by the Emperor in 802 to distinguish and honour his most valiant warriors who fought in the war against the heathen Saxons. Descendants of the Emperor have maintained the order without great interruption through the centuries. The Order meets once a year in Washington, DC at a ""black tie"" dinner event the second Thursday of April. The objective of the Order, through historical and genealogical research, is to perpetuate the memory and to honour the name of Emperor Charlemagne; to bring into one group the descendants of his successors and heirs; to maintain and promote the traditions of chivalry and knighthood; to recognize acts of merit; to recognize achievements in the Arts, Sciences and Letters; to inspire patriotism and loyalty to the country; and for such other lawful and proper purposes as the Executive Council of the order may from time to time decide upon. To collect and preserve books on genealogy, family history, heraldry and general history. To collect and preserve documents, manuscripts, relics, records and traditions relating to Emperor Charlemagne and his successors; to create a popular interest in ancient history and genealogy. The Order is non-political and non-sectarian. 

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.