France, Kingdom. An Order of St. Louis in Gold, Knight, c.1815

(Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis). Instituted 1693 by Louis XIV (Louis the Great). Of high manufacture, an excellent example of a Knight's badge in Gold consisting of a Maltese cross, applique in white enamels with Gold fleur-de-lys in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a superposed enameled portrait of Saint Louis, surrounded by the motto LUD(OVICUS) M(AGNUS) IN(STITUIT) 1693, (""Louis the Great instituted it in 1693""), reverse centre displaying a superposed enameled sword interlaced with a laurel crown and a white sash with enameled red background, surrounded by the inscription BELL(ICAE) VIRTUTIS PRAEM(IUM) (""reward of wartime valour""), measuring 34.70 mm (w) x 41.21 mm (h - inclusive of horizontally pierced ball suspension), weighing 16.8 grams, with enamel loss, reverse medallion slightly detached, accompanied by original breast ribbon on an early ring suspension, good/fine.

Footnote: The Order was founded by Louis XIV on April 5, 1693. It was conferred upon Catholic Officers of the Royal Army for meritorious and distinguished military service. It was the first order of merit in France which permitted an Officer who was not of noble birth to be named a Knight. Napoleon’s Legion of Honour was inspired by this Order.

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.