Spain, Kingdom. A Royal & Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, Grand Cross Star, by Yraburo, c.1865

(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted in 1771 by King Charles II of Spain. Queen Isabella II issue. In silver, consisting of a faceted Maltese Cross with ball finials, featuring detailed silver fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, obverse centre in yellow enamels exhibiting a superposed figure of Virgin Mary in Gold with hand painted details, with an elegant beneath white enameled border inscribed by the Latin inscription VIRTUTI ET MERITO (Virtue and Merit) also in Gold, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, marked by maker’s mark of G. YRABURO, Spanish jeweler known for his excellent workmanship and rareness, his name is associated only with the star of this Order, measuring 78.97 mm (w) x 83.88 mm (h), presenting minor oxidation on the cross, with minor cracking to obverse centre, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III was founded by King Carlos III/Charles III in 1771, and it was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. It was established in commemoration of the birth of his first grandson, Carlos V/Charles V, future heir of the Spanish throne. Originally, the Order was awarded to individuals who had displayed actions that enhanced the prestige and goals of the Spanish crown. Currently, the Order is conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens for extremely meritorious domestic and foreign service to Spain. Since its founding, it has been considered the most prestigious civil order within Spain. 

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.