Spain, Franco’s Period. An Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows. by Medina, Grand Commander c.1950

(Orden Imperial del Yugo y las Flechas). Instituted 1937 by General Francisco Franco. 1943-1975 Issue. A four-armed cross in silver gilt, superposing by an enameled black cross, obverse centre featuring an enameled red royal symbol of the Yoke and Arrows, depicting the Latin inscription CAESARIS CAESARI DEI DEO (To Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God), plain reverse, hallmarked on the suspension ring with Spanish assay silver denoting 915/1000 of fineness since 1934, marked postcode for Madrid “23M” by Juan Medina, Madrid-Barcelona, measuring 57.62 mm (w) x 61.40 (h - inclusive of integral ring), suspended by original neck ribbon, with minor toned silver, extremely fine; accompanied by an enameled black and red breast star depicting the badge of the Order, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, hallmarked on the catch with Spanish assay silver denoting 915/1000 of fineness since 1934, marked postcode “23M” by Juan Medina, Madrid-Barcelona, measuring 68.60 mm (w) x 68.49 mm (h), with toned silver, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows was originally instituted as the Great Order of the Red Arrows by General Francisco Franco on October 10, 1937. It was regulated and renamed Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows on January 27, 1943. The Order was awarded to Spaniards and foreigners either citizens or military personnel, in recognition of outstanding services rendered to Spain during Franco’sgovernment; it was considered the most prestigious award within Spain for military and civil service. The Order was awarded for the last time on October 1, 1975. 

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.