Venezuela, Republic. An Order of the Liberator, Grand Officer's Star, by A. Chobillon, c.1900

(Orden del Libertador). Instituted 1880 by president Antonio Guzmán Blanco. 1880-1920 Issue. Of quality French manufacture, consisting of a finely beaded eight-pointed multiple ray star in silver, obverse centre featuring a superposed bust of Simon Bolivar in silver gilt, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by his name, reverse with pin assembly and dual retaining pins, marked by maker’s mark of A. Chobillon, denoting .950 silver purity, measuring 79.85 mm (w) x 91.18 mm (h), with minor toned silver, slightly detached centerpiece and medallion fairly off the centre, very good condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator was founded by Antonio Guzmán Blanco on September 14, 1880, and reformed in 1922 under the presidential term of Juan Vicente Gómez. The Order has as precedent the Medal of Distinction with the bust of the Liberator created on March 11, 1854 under the presidency of José Gregorio Monagas and before that, the Order of the Liberators created by Simón Bolívar in 1813. It was the highest distinction of Venezuela and was appointed for services to the country, outstanding merit and benefits made to the community. It was discontinued in 2010. 

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.