Ecuador, Republic. A National Order of Merit, Grand Cross Star, by Medina, c.1935

(Orden Nacional al Mérito). Instituted 1921. Type II. 1929-1937 issue. II Version. A four-pointed, multi-rayed star in silver gilt, obverse centre displaying hand painted coat of arms of Ecuador with the inscription AL BIEN PUBLICO (To the Public Welfare) in silver gilt, adorned by a silver flying condor, with enameled yellow, blue, and red Ecuadorian flags, surrounded by green enameled laurel, and oak, branches both in silver gilt, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, exhibiting back plate maker’s mark of Medina, Madrid and Barcelona, from the first half of the twentieth century, measuring 86.52 mm (w) x 86.65 mm (h), with minor toned silver, near to extremely fine.

Footnote: The National Order of Merit was founded in Ecuador by decree of October 8, 1921 as the Medal of Merit; its name was changed to the National Order of Merit in 1929. It is awarded to Ecuadorian and foreign citizens for extraordinary service to the nation in the fields of diplomacy, science, literature, and the arts. It is Ecuador’s highest civil award. 

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.