Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Military Merit, White Distinction Pension, 1st Class Cross, c.1950

(Orden al Mérito Militar). Instituted 1864. Franco Period (1938-1975). Type I, White Distinction Pension. A white-enameled cross of four equal arms in bronze gilt, with red-enameled stripes on three of its four arms, suspended from a clasp with surmounted typical of time of period Imperial Crown in bronze gilt, obverse centre featuring a white, blue and red-enameled national coat of arms also in bronze gilt, reverse without stripes featuring superposed red-enameled centre medallion in bronze gilt depicting golden letters “MM” (Military Merit), measuring 41.65 mm (w) x 55.11 mm (h- inclusive of Imperial Crown), strongly oxidation on the crown, and minor oxidation on the clasp, accompanied by original ribbon on a traditional Spanish-style horizontal hanger with pinback in bronze gilt, intact enamels, good.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was created by Queen Isabel II by a royal decree of 3rd August, 1864. It was founded to reward individual acts of distinction and bravery or acts of significant service and merit by members of the Armed forces and Civil Guard.

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.