France, Republic. An Order of Public Health, Commander, c.1950

(Ordre de la Santé Publique). Instituted in 1938. 1938-1963 issue. In silver gilt, a five armed cross with cleft tips, superposed by a five pointed blue enameled star with squares on the tips, obverse centre featuring a woman portrait facing left, surrounded by the inscription ORDRE DE LA SANTE PUBLIQUE (Order of Public Health), reverse centre displaying an engraved rising sun inscribed JOIE SANTE (Joy, Health), measuring 56.33 mm (w) x 70.96 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), presenting roasted silver and enamels loss on the reverse, accompanied by original neck ribbon, fine.

Footnote: The Order of Public Health was created by the decree of February 18, 1938. It replaced the Medal of Honour for Public Assistance and the Hygiene Medal. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was instituted in 1963. The Order was awarded for exceptional service in public health, public services, and child protection. 

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.