Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. A House & Merit Order Of Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, I Class Grand Cross With Swords, By B.knauer, C.1914

(Haus und Verdiesnt Orden des Herzogs Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Bruststern zum Großkreuz mit der silbernen Krone). Instituted November 27 1838 by Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August. (1841-1918 Issue, Military Division). An eight point multi-rayed silver star with crossed swords stemming from the 5 and 7 o’clock rays, obverse center featuring a dark blue central enamelled medallion with the crowned cipher of Peter Friedrich, surrounded by a red enamel ring inscribed EIN GOTT EIN RECHT EINE WAHRHEIT (One God, One Righteousness, One Truth) with an exterior beaded surround, reverse presents a vertical pinback with functional hinge/catch assembly, marked B.KNAUER on the reverse of pin, measuring 81.5mm (w) x 81.5mm (h), slight oxidation around sword features on right half of star, enamels fully intact, minimal wear, overall very fine condition.

Footnote: B. Knauer was the official “Hofjuwlier” to the Grand Duke of Oldenburg from 1903 to 1918. The Order became obsolete in 1918 when the last Grand Duke of Oldenburg renounced the throne. Out of 584 total awards of the Grand Cross with the Silver Crown, only 16 were awarded with swords.

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.