Venezuela. An Order of the Liberator, 3rd Class Commander Star, by Fayolle Pouteur, c.1900

Type II. A finely manufactured cross in the typical French style, in frosted silver with blue enamels, unusual wave like rays, centre depicting the coat of arms of Venezuela, maker marked ""FAYOLLE POUTEUR Seur / 180 Gre de VALOIS PALAIS-ROYALE"" on the reverse cartouche, well hallmarked on both pin and catch with boar head denoting French silver guarantee, measuring 72 mm (w) x 79.2 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs, minor chipping evident in two areas in the blue enamels on the oval centrepiece ring, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator was the highest distinction of Venezuela and was appointed for services to the country, outstanding merit and benefits made to the community. The order was created by Antonio Guzmán Blanco on September 14, 1880, and reformed in 1922 under the presidential term of Juan Vicente Gómez, the Order has as precedent the Medal of Distinction with the bust of the Liberator created on March 11, 1854 under the presidency of José Gregorio Monagas and before that, the Order of the Liberators created by Simón Bolívar in 1813.

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.