Denmark, Kingdom. An Order Of The Dannebrog In Gold, Iii Class Knight C.1840

(Dannebrogordenen). Instituted 1219 by King Valdemar II. King Christian VIII’s Period. 1839-1848 issue. Of high quality and early manufacture in Gold, consisting of an oblong Latin Cross, exhibiting a finely enameled white field with red borders, displaying detailed Gold royal crowns in each quadrant, obverse inscribed by Danish inscription GUD OG KONGEN (God and the King) on its arms, reverse presenting the institution date, 1219, the re-institution day, 1671, the regulation date of 1808, and the cypher of the King Valdemar II and King Frederick VI, surmounted by delicate cypher of King Christian VIII in Gold, crowned by an ornate royal crown also in Gold, measuring 28.62 mm (w) x 58.08 mm (h - inclusive of royal crown), 14.1 grams, with enamel contact and minor loss, with early replacement ring, mid 20th century ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: Believed to have originally been established by King Valdemar II in 1219, and later re-instituted by King Christian V, in honour of the birth of his first son (King Frederik IV) in 1671. It was revised by King Frederick VI in 1808, adding four new classes, and was then awarded to any Danish man, without restrictions to age or his rank. To date, the Order is awarded to recognize individuals who have rendered outstanding, commendable, and distinctive military or civil service, as well as, contribution to the sciences, arts, or business. 

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.