France, Republic. An Order of Social Merit, Commander c.1940

(Ordre du Mérite Social). Instituted in 1936. 1936-1963 issue. Of French manufacture, an enameled blue seven-pointed star with ball finials in silver gilt, presenting detailed laurel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse featuring a woman portrait circumscribed by the inscription MERITE SOCIAL (Social Merit), the reverse with an engraved inscription that stands MINISTERE DU TRAVAIL (Ministry of Labour), suspended by an oval laurel wreath also in silver gilt, hallmarked twice by French hallmark denoting silver purity of .800 between 1838 and 1962, with faint makers mark on elongated loop, measuring 62.18 mm (w) x 90.32 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball on the laurel wreath), presenting roasted silver and cracked enamels on the 12 o’clock arm, with some tips bent for wearing, accompanied by slightly discolored original neck ribbon, very good.

Footnote: The Order of Social Merit was created in October 25, 1936. It replaced the Medal of Honour for Mutual Aid, the Medal of Honour of Social Providence, and the Medal of Honour for Welfare. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was instituted in 1963. The Order was awarded for exceptional service in institutions concerned with social legislation. 

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.