Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross Badge

(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted 1815 by King Ferdinand VII/Fernando VII. A sash badge composed of pieces from varied periods, consisting of a late hollow ball-tipped four armed Cross with red enamels in silver gilt (presumably from Franco’s period), featuring cluster of five rays in each quadrant, suspending by an early enameled green laurel wreath with ornamented loop suspension, early obverse center in Gold exhibiting an enameled hand finished Order’s insignia, surrounding by the inscription A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA (To Pure Loyalty), on an enameled white border, reverse center in silver gilt presenting early cypher of Isabella II (Isabella II’s period), encircled by the inscription POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (For Isabel the Catholic), measuring 53.36 mm (w) x 53.34 mm (h), award has been reassembled from the relevant parts of many different awards including a replacement loop hallmarked by late Portuguese silver hallmarks, presenting casting red enamels and replaced central medallions, with cracked rays on the 1 o’clock quadrant, on the original full-length sash ribbon with bow, poor condition. 

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.