Italian States, Duchy of Parma. A Civil Merit Order of Saint Louis, Grand Cross Star, c.1849

 (Ordre Royal de Saint-Louis). Instituted 1849. A delicately hand filed silver star with stylized 18k Gold cross affixed by four prongs, finely executed white enamels with centre applique depicting Gold St.Louis on red enamel background, blue enamel surround with motto DEUS ET DIES, reverse with central pin assembly, hallmarked on both pin and catch with boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee (1838+), measuring 62 mm (w) x 62 mm (h), with minor white enamel loss, otherwise extremely fine and rare. 

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.