Mexico, Second Empire. An Order of Guadalupe in Gold, Grand Cross for Civil Merit c.1865

(Orden de Guadalupe). Order Restored 1863. Type III, Crowned Eagle. 1863-67 Issue. A superb Gold sash badge consisting of green, white and red enameled Patée Cross with ball finials, hand chiseled rays in each quadrant also in Gold, obverse centre featuring a fine handmade figure of Our Lady of Guadalupe surrounded by the inscription RELIGION INDEPENDENCIA UNION (Religion, Independency, Fraternity) in Gold, reverse centre depicting the inscription AL MERITO Y VIRTUDES (to Merit and Virtue) in Gold, with surrounded olive and palm wreaths applied to reverse both in Gold, suspended from the national eagle with imperial crown also in Gold, measuring 48.95 mm (w) x 106.20 mm (h-inclusive eagle and loop suspension), weighting 31.9 g, on original worn silk ribbon, with minor loss of green enamels and to obverse centre , 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock arms with blent ball finials, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Guadalupe was originally established in Mexico as the Imperial Order of Guadalupe by Agustín de Iturbide at the end of the year 1821, and it was annulled on 1823 after Iturbide was overthrown. The Order was rescinded, and recreated, twice during the nineteenth century. The Order was finally dissolved on June 19, 1867. In Type III, the Order was founded on July 1, 1863, and it was confirmed by Maximilian I on April 10, 1865. It was awarded in recognition of the extraordinary services rendered to the Empire, civil virtues, and distinguished merit. 

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.