Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross Star, c.1935

(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted 1815 by King Ferdinand VII/Fernando VII. 1875-1931 issue. Of high quality manufacture, a ball-tipped four armed Cross in silver gilt, featuring delicate clusters of seven gilded rays in each quadrant, obverse superposing by a finely enameled red Maltese cross in Gold, with centre displaying an enameled handmade Gold Order’s insignia, surrounded by detailed white and green-enamelling border with the inscription A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (To Pure Loyalty, For Isabel the Catholic), with a surmounted monogram of Ferdinand VII on a blue enamel background in Gold, reverse with pin assembly and dual retaining pins, measuring 79.54 mm (w) x 78.05 mm (h), with gilt loss and light enamel wear, remains near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic was instituted as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic (Real y Americana Orden de Isabella Católica) by royal decree of March 24, 1815. The name of the Order was modified when the Spanish Crown abandoned its intentions of ruling Latin America and overseas on April 15, 1889. The Order was founded as a civil and military order awarded in recognition of those men who had served the interests of the Spanish Crown in Latin America and overseas. Originally, the grades were Grand Cross, Knight I Class, and Knight II Class. Additional grades were added over the history of the Order; the Commander by Number was added in 1847; the Silver Cross was added in 1903; and, the Silver and Bronze Medals were added in 1907 for low-ranking soldiers and sailors. The Knight of the Collar was added in 1927, while the Officer grade in 1931. Currently, the Order is active in Spain, and its statements were approved on November 6, 1998.

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.