Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Charles III, Grand Cross Star, c.1806

(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted 1771. 1806-1850 Issue. A faceted Maltese Cross in silver, with silvered fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting a finely hand painted Mary in brilliant colours, with unusual wide blue enameled boarder with Gold lettering “Virtuti et Merito”, the 6 o'clock arm presents a blue-enamelled cyphre of Charles III, the reverse engraved maker’s mark “Beaugeois, Rue de la Paix 2”, opening operations in 1806 in Paris, measuring 88.79 mm (w) x 90.49 mm (h), an early 19th Century example, only very minor blue enamel loss, better than extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Charles III was founded in 1771 by Charles III King of Spain, and it was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. It was established in commemoration of the birth of his first grandson Carlos Clemente. The Order was awarded to individuals who displayed actions that had enhanced the prestige and goals of the Spanish Crown. Since its foundation, the Order has been considered the highest civil awarded within Spain. Currently it is conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens for extremely meritorious domestic and foreign service to Spain. 

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.