Dominican Republic, Rafael Trujillo’s Period. A Merit Order of Juan Pablo Duarte, Civil Merit, Knight, c.1945

(Orden del Mérito Juan Pablo Duarte). Instituted 1931. Type I, 1931-1954 issued. Civil Merit. A white and blue enameled Pateé cross in silver with ball finials, with clusters of five extended rays in each quadrant in silver, obverse centre in white enamel exhibiting figure of Juan Pablo Duarte, surrounded by the inscription JUAN PABLO DUARTE-HONOR Y MERITO (Juan Pablo Duarte-Honor and Merit), reverse centre applique also in white enamel with superposed coat of arm of Dominican Republic, surmounted detailed silver laurel wreath, marked with Dutch import silver mark of fineness .835 since 1953, measuring 40.11 mm (w) x 65.73 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath and integral ring), with minor silver oxidation, accompanied by original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella (Orden al Mérito de Duarte, Sánchez y Mella) is the principal order of the Dominican Republic. It was established on February 24, 1931 as the Juan Pablo Duarte Order of Merit and renamed on September 9, 1954. The Head of State confers the order, both to civilians and military personnel for distinguished services. 

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.