Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Savoy in Gold, Grand Cross Badge, c.1915

(Ordine militare di Savoia). Instituted 1815 by King Victor Emmanuel I. Italian Kingdom Period. Of high quality manufacture in Gold, featuring a white enameled Pison Cross, with detailed green and red enamel laurel and olive branches in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting a white enameled cross of Savoy, with inlaid Gold inscription AL MERITO MILITARE (To Military Merit) on a red enameled background, reverse featuring the restructure date of 1855 and two crossed swords with the initials V E (Victor Emmanuel), adorned by a hollow Italian royal crown in Gold, marked twice by the letter “B” on edge of order body, measuring 66.43 mm (w) x 102.78 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), 33.3 grams, with evidence of previous lacquering, enamel loss on 12 o'clock arm and reverse centre, accompanied by an original silk sash badge, very fine.

Footnote: The Order was founded by King Victor Emmanuel I, and it was awarded to military personnel in recognition of acts of honour, bravery, and merit during times of war; it was rarely awarded to foreigners. This Order was conferred upon all military personnel of all ranks.

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.