Spain, Kingdom. A Royal Military Order of Saint Ferdinand in Gold, I Class Officer, c.1860

(Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando). Instituted in 1811 by the Cádiz Cortes. Type II. (1815-1920). A Gold Maltese cross with white enamel arms and ball finials, obverse center featuring the embossed figure of St. Ferdinand in Gold holding a ceremonial mace, exhibiting white and red enamel detailing on a light blue enamel background, dark blue enamel surround states AL MERITO MILITAR, reverse centre presenting two overlapping globes adorned by the Spanish Imperial Crown, with the Motto of the order in blue enamels EL REY Y LA PATRIA (The King and the Homeland), an ornate green enameled palm leaf suspension, measures 41mm (w) x 46mm (h- inclusive of palm leaf suspension and integral ring, heavy enamel wear in green palm leaves, chipping on blue enamel surround on both obverse and reverse, reverse 3 o’clock white enamel arm chipped, on original worn ribbon, good condition.

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.