Spain, Civil War Period. An Order of Military Merit, I Class Cross, Red Distinction, c.1938

(Orden al Mérito Militar). Instituted 1864. Issued 1938-1939. Type I, Red Distinction. An enameled red Greek cross in bronze gilt, with obverse centre featuring an enameled blue, red and white Spanish coat of arms, with enameled white reverse centre depicting the golden letters “MM” (Military Merit), suspended by an unusual integral crown also in bronze gilt, measuring 35.18 mm (w) x 47.45 mm (h- inclusive of integral ring), with minor cracked red enamels on the 3 o’clock arm, and minor stained white and red enamels, accompanied by a German style knight’s ribbon mount, fine.

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.