Sardinia, Kingdom. A Military Order of Savoy in Gold, Officer, c.1875

Instituted 1815. Type II. In Gold, consisting of a four armed white enameled cross with green laurels in each quadrant, centre obverse presenting a white enameled cross on red background, surround with Gold letting AL MERITO MILITARE, reverse centre presenting two crossed Gold swords with initials VE, weighing 10.8 grams, measuring 35.7 (w) x 59.2 mm (h - inclusive of its trophy of arms suspension), chipping and repair evident in the white enamels on the arm at 6 o'clock on the reverse, original ribbon, near very fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Savoy was the highest and most prestigious Italian military order, awarded for exceptional conduct in war. It was founded on August 14, 1815 and renewed by Royal Decree on September 27, 1855 and March 28, 1857. After the abolition of the Italian monarchy in 1947, the Order became the Military Order of Italy and the insignia were changed to reflect the fact that Italy had become a republic. 

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.