Vatican, Papal States. An Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Grand Cross Star, by J.M.J. Can Wielik, c.1880

"Instituted 1099. Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946). A faceted eight-pointed star in silver, with superposed obverse centre featuring a red-enamelled Jerusalem Cross in silver gilt, surrounded green-enamelled palm wreath also in silver gilt, reverse with a flat pin assembly with dual stays, marked on catch with Dutch hallmark denoting fineness minimum .833 silver, maker marked reverse star with Dutch firm “J. M. J. Van Wielik La Haye”, measuring 91.05 mm (w) x 91.45 mm (h), with loss of the gilt, and minor green enamels, toned silver, single bent ray at 1 o'clock, better than fine.

Footnote: This Order is associated with centuries of historical and political intrigue. Some researchers link the foundation of the Order to Godfrey de Bouillon and the First Crusade in the 11th century. In reality it was not brought under the protection of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem until 1847, and it wasn’t even granted legal canonical status until 1868, when it was placed under papal control by Pope Pius IX. The Order was removed from papal control in 1928, becoming instead an Order under papal protection. The current Order Statutes were published in 1977. "

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.