Spain, Kingdom. A Military Order of Maria Cristina, by Ferencz Mayor, II Class Cross, c.1915

(Orden Militar de Maria Cristina). Instituted 1890. Type I, 1890-1918 Issue. A fine Spanish manufactured eight-pointed star in silver, featuring exquisite obverse centrepiece consisting of four-armed Paty cross in patinated silver, surrounded by a laurel wreath and crossed swords in each quadrant, exhibiting delicate Spanish royal symbols in each arm in Gold, with centre medallion depicting a blue, white, and red Spanish coat of arms also in Gold, surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA (Merit in Campaign) on a beautiful enameled blue border, reverse pin assembly and dual stays, with maker’s cartouche of Jose Fernz Mayor, Madrid, a famous Spanish jeweler who made very fine quality stars for the Spanish army before the end of the kingdom, marked pin with "ZII" Dutch import mark of silver fineness .835, measuring 86.11 mm (w) x 85.74 mm (h), with minor toned silver, near to mint.

Footnote: The Military Order of Maria Cristina was established by Queen Regent Maria Cristina on January 30, 1890. It was awarded to Spanish Army in recognition of great and heroic deeds, and the display of merit within dangerous military campaigns. In 1937 the Order was suppressed and replaced by the War Cross.

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.