Italy. An Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, 5th Class, Knight, 1951-2001, Fullsize and Miniature

Fullsize: four-piece construction, silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, unmarked, 44.5 mm (w) x 59 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, original ribbon; and Miniature: two-piece construction, silver gilt with white enamels, unmarked, 16.5 mm (w) x 26 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, original ribbon. Intact enamels, scattered gilt wear on both, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951. The highest ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for ""merit acquired by the nation"" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The post-nominal letters for the order areOMRI. The order effectively replaced as national orders the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362). The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, as head of the orders of knighthood, on the recommendation of the President of the Council of Ministers. Except in exceptional circumstances, no one can be awarded for the first time a rank higher than Knight. The minimum age requirement is normally 35. It is awarded in six classes: Knight Grand Cross with Collar; 1st Class, Knight Grand Cross; 2nd Class, Grand Officer; 3rd Class, Commander; 4th Class, Officer; and 5th Class, Knight.

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.