Chile, Pacific War. A Star for the Bolivian and Peruvian Campaign, Enlisted Man, c.1880

(Estrella por la Campaña de Bolivia y el Perú). Instituted 1880. 1880-1883 Issue. A traditional Chilean five armed star in silver with ball finials, featuring clusters of silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre in silver gilt exhibiting an engraved head of Athena surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed CAMPAÑA A BOLIVIA I EL PERU (Bolivian and Peruvian Campaign), the reverse centre also in silver gilt featuring a red and blue enameled medallion with the inscription DE 14 DE FEBRERO DE 1879 A 7 DE JUNIO DE 1880 (From February 14, 1879, until June 7, 1880), measuring 40.61 mm (w) x 43.12 mm (h- inclusive of integral ring), with toned silver and loss of enamels, accompanied by original ribbon with horizontal pinback hanger and two silver clasps; TACNA, MAYO-26-1880 (Tagna, May 26, 1880); SAN FRANCISCO, NOVIEMBRE 19, 1879 (San Francisco, November 19, 1879), fine.

Footnote: The Star for the Bolivian and Peruvian Campaign was instituted in 1880 in recognition of the Chilean military personnel who participated at the first land campaigns against Bolivia and Peru at the beginning of the Pacific War (1873-1883). The Star may be accompanied by 12 clasps in total. 

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.