Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Alfonso X the Wise, Knight, c.1950

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X El Sabio). Instituted 1939 by Francisco Franco. A Knight of the Order consisting of an enameled red four armed cross with trefoiled ends in silver gilt, obverse centre superposing by an non-standard, possible replacement, portrait of Alfonso X the Wise, with an enameled blue background in silver gilt, surrounding by an enameled white border with the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), reverse featuring an enameled blue imperial eagle, beneath of the inscription ALTIORA PETO (I Seek Higher Things) also in silver gilt, measuring 45.10 mm (w) x 50.07 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), with faded red enamels, general gilt loss and minor oxidation on the integral ball, suspending by traditional Spanish-style horizontal hanger with pinback on an original red-faded breast ribbon, near good.

Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise was established by Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. It was founded to replace the Civil Order of Alfonso XII. It is still conferred in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching. It is conferred upon women and men without differences between their awards. The Grand Master of the Order is the King of Spain, and the Grand Chancellor is the Minister of Education and Culture. The Knight is conferred upon teachers, and government workers. 

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.