Vatican, City State. An Equestrian Order Of The Holy Sepulchre, Grand Cross, C.1900

(Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani). Instituted 1099 (Modern, 1847). Type I. A Jerusalem Cross with deep red enamels set in silver gilt, surmounted by a large hollow crown suspension, measures 57mm (w) x 97mm (h-inclusive of crown suspension), very small chip on reverse 6 o’clock arm of cross between the 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock arms of main crutch cross, otherwise enamels fully intact, on full length grand cross sash, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, an eight-point silver star composed of clusters of seven faceted rays of increasing lengths, obverse centre in silver gilt featuring a red enameled Jerusalem Cross on white enamel background, surrounded by a beaded border and green enameled laurel, with an exterior beaded ring border, centre reverse presents a single vertical pin and catch, reverse of rays bears small holes to emphasize each bead on obverse, measures 89 mm (w) x 88 mm (h), enamels intact, with centre rotated slightly clockwise, otherwise 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.