Vatican, Italian Unification. An Order of Our Lady of Bethlehem, Military Division, Grand Officer, c.1920

(Ordine Militare e Ospedaliero di S. Maria di Betlemme). Instituted 1459 by Pope Pius II. 1905-1935 Issue. A blue enameled Maltese Cross in silver gilt, obverse featuring an engraved image of Our Lady of Bethlehem, encircled by an enameled blue border inscribed MILIT AC HOSPITORDO S M DE BETHLEHEM (Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem), reverse depicting a crowned cypher surrounded by the inscription MONS. REG. ASTRA VIAM (The Stars Show the Way to Kings), suspended by a large detailed Vatican trophy of arms with an enameled shield in silver gilt, measuring 55.68 mm (w) x 103.56 mm (h - inclusive of trophy of arms), with light contact to enamels, with neck original ribbon as worn, better than extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Our Lady of Bethlehem was founded as a military order on 19th January 1459 by Pope Pius II for defending of the Island of Lemnos. The order was composed of brother-knights and priests governed by an elective grand-master. Currently, the Order is consisting of more than 1000 members from different countries, among whom about 600 are living in Italy. 

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.