Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Naval Merit, I Class Cross, White Distinction, c.1900

(La Orden al Mérito Naval). Instituted 1866 by Queen Isabella II. 1866- 1931 issue. Of French manufacture, a silver Latin cross with white enamelled arms, surmounted by a detailed silver Spanish Royal Crown, obverse featuring a enamelled blue anchor inlaid in the cross, reverse mirrors the obverse, marked with a boar’s head on the top corner of the 12 o’clock arm of the reverse, denoting 800 silver fineness between 1838-1962, measuring 32 mm (w) x 68 mm (h - inclusive of integral crown suspension and cross adorned integral ball), enamel cracking on 3 o’clock arm of obverse, dark patina, on original ribbon, near very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Naval Merit was established in Spain by Queen Isabella II on August 3, 1866. It was founded to recognize the Spanish Navy Force which was taking part in many overseas battles at that time; the Order also recognized the civil and commercial ships who served in the Spanish Navy. In 1995, the Order was amended by Juan Carlos I, new classes were created, and the yellow and blue distinctions were added. 

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.