Vatican. An Order of the Christ, Grand Cross, by Albert Bacqueville, c.1895

Of fine French manufacture, consisting of a large red enameled Maltese cross set in silver, hallmarked on integral ball suspension French hallmark denoting .800 silver purity between 1838-1962, marked by maker’s mark of Bacqueville, Albert, Paris (A over B with Ship), a known manufacturer of the similarly styled Portuguese Military Order of the Christ, measuring 31 mm (w) x 56 mm (h - inclusive of horizontally pierced ball suspension), on original period full length silk sash, extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of a silver-gilded multi-rayed beaded star with superposed finely enameled four-armed cross with gilt framing, centre exhibiting a large medallion with silver-gilded Catholic symbol of the Pelican on a silver background, surrounding by a green enamel Crown of Thorns also in silver gilt, reverse with large French style pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 84.68 mm (w) x 85.16 mm (h), hallmarked on both pin and catch by French silver mark denoting .800 purity, with additional maker’s mark of Bacqueville, Albert, with minor lost of gilt and light contact, otherwise very good.

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.