This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted 1771. Isabel II Period (1833-1870). A French-made silver gilt badge consisting of an enameled white and blue Maltese Cross with dual ball finials, exhibiting detailed gilt Fleur-de-Lis in each quadrant, with obverse centre with enameled blue figure of St. Mary superposing on an enameled blue-bordered medallion both in Gold, reverse centre with white and blue enamels depicting the cypher of Charles III surrounded by the motto VIRTUTI Et MÉRITO (Virtue and Merit) in silver gilt, laurel wreath in silver gilt with French silver hallmarked denoting fineness of .800, closed by partial French maker’s mark, measuring 40.41 mm (w) x 66.10 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath and horizontal integral ring), with loss of blue enamels on the obverse figure, and minor cracked white on the 9 o’clock arm, accompanied by period and original silk sash, near very fine.
Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III was founded in 1771 by Charles III King of Spain, and it was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. It was established in commemoration of the birth of his first grandson Charles Clement. The Order was awarded to individuals who displayed actions that had enhanced the prestige and goals of the Crown of Spain. Since its founding, it has been considered the highest civil awarded within Spain. Currently it is conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens for extremely meritorious domestic and foreign service to Spain.
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.