Sweden, Kingdom. An Order Of Vasa, Ii Class Knight, C.1910

(Kungliga Vasaorden). Instituted on May 29, 1772 by King Gustav III. Type II. 1866-1951 issue. An enameled white Maltese cross with ball finials in cut silver, embellished by Swedish silver royal crowns in each quadrant, obverse centre in Gold displaying a Vasa sheaf encircled by enameled red border inscribed GUSTAF DEN III INST. MDCCLXXII (Instituted By Gustav III MDCCLXXII), presenting mirrored design, measuring 39.79 mm (w) x 62.85 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), with minor stained enamels, suspended by original period breast ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Vasa was awarded to Swedish citizens in recognition of meritorious service rendered to state and society especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and commerce. It was instituted on 29 May 1772 by King Gustav III, and it was unrestricted by birth or education. It was often awarded to Norwegian subjects of the dual monarchy until Oscar I founded the Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1847. Since 1974 the order is no longer conferred.

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.