Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Cross Of Honour, Ii Class, With Oak Leaves And Swords, C.1918

(Ehrenkreuz II. Klasse mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern). Instituted 25 October 1869 by Prince Paul Friedrich Ernst Leopold zur Lippe and Prince Adolf Georg zu Schaumburg-Lippe. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a finely-detailed red enameled Lippe rose, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), within an eight-pointed radiant gilt star, the reverse with a central red enameled medallion bearing a raised gilt monogram of Prince Leopold, similarly set within an eight-pointed radiant gilt star, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a ribbed fan, topped by crossed swords and three richly-detailed oak leaves, in turn topped with an integrated loop connecting to a suspension ring, accompanied by a period original shortened neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 63.34 mm (w) x 98.00 mm (h), weighing 55.2 grams, minor oxidation and flecking of enamels evident, in overall extremely fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Andreas Ising.

Footnote: A very rare award as there were only seven presented from 1914 - 1918, of which the first cross in 1914 (by Brauchitsch) was still made by Büsch in gold.

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.