Colombia, Republic. A Military Order of San Mateo, I Class Cross, by Werner, c.1920

(Orden Militar de San Mateo). Instituted 1913. 1914-present issue. Exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics of the orders lone maker, of J. H. Werner, a deep-blue enameled Maltese cross in silver gilt, with green enameled laurel wreath in each quadrant also in silver gilt, obverse centre in red enamels with superposed silver gilded figure of Captain Antonio Ricaurte with the inscription 1814 RICAURTE 1914, reverse centre in white enamels with inscription COLOMBIA I CLASE ORDEN MILITAR DE SAN MATEO (Colombia I Class Military Order of Saint Matthew), sourmonted silver gilt arc suspension, measuring 50.71 mm (w) x 62.13 mm (h - inclusive of arc suspension), with stained blue enamels and lost of gilt, accompanied by replacement period ribbon, near to extremely fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of San Mateo was established by the Colombian Congress in October 1913, and it was regulated in 1914. The Order was founded as honor of the revolutionary hero, Captain Antonio Ricaurte, who died in battle in 1814. It is awarded to military personnel for acts of courage and valor during international conflicts. It is the highest military Order in the country, and it has been awarded in a few occasions since its creations. 

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.