Honduras, Republic. An Order of Santa Rosa and of Civilization, Civil Merit, Commander, c.1885

(Orden de Santa Rosa y de la Civilización de Honduras). Instituted 1868. Issued 1868-1901. A silver gilt Maltese cross with white enamels and ball finials, detailed green enamel laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre in silver gilt exhibiting coat of arms of Honduras in Gold, surrounded by an enameled green border featuring the inscription REPUBLICA DE HONDURAS (Honduras Republic) also in silver gilt, reverse centre depicting the inscription MERITO CIVIL (Civil Merit) surrounded by the legend ORDEN DE St. ROZA Y DE LA CIVILIZACION (Order of Santa Rosa and the Civilization) on a enameled green border both in silver gilt, suspended by a typical French style suspension loop with enameled green laurel wreath in silver gilt, measuring 49.64 mm (w) x 75.49 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath and integral ring), with lost of gilt and minor cracked white enamels on the 9 o’clock arm, accompanied by original neck ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Santa Rosa and the Civilization was instituted in Honduras by President José María Medina on February 21, 1868 in five classes with different versions for military, civil and religious merit. It was founded as recognition of Honduras’s diplomatic initiatives by conferring orders on diplomats of other countries. This is the first order created in Honduras, and it was awarded by last time in 1901. 

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.