United States. A New England Society in the City of New York, Members Badge in Gold, c.1900

In gold with white, red and green enamels, weighing 21.9 grams inclusive of its ribbon and hanger, unmarked, measuring 37.3 mm (w) x 39.65 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring suspension), obverse illustrating the Mayflower with the date "1805" below in the centre, surmounted by the inscription "NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK" on the centrepiece ring, with holly and holly berries representing good will, defense, happiness and foresight between the arms, original ribbon suspended from a hanger with pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The New England Society in the City of New York (NES) is one of several lineage organizations in the United States and one of the oldest charitable societies in the country. It was founded in 1805, to promote “friendship, charity and mutual assistance” among and on behalf of New Englanders living in New York. The founding NES meeting was held on May 6, 1805 at the State Street home of merchant, statesman, and first NES president James Watson. Watson’s Federal townhouse still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also the residence of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American Catholic Saint. The home is currently occupied by the rectory of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church and is part of the Seton Shrine. The first Annual Dinner was held on December 21, 1805 at the City Hotel on Broadway with 154 Members in attendance. Every year since 1805, the Society has hosted speakers at various venues, including Delmonico's Restaurant, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, and Sherry’s in New York City. The roster of speakers who attended these Dinners includes Commander Stephen Decatur (War of 1812 Hero), statesman Daniel Webster, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, J. Pierpont Morgan (the 26th NES President), Theodore Roosevelt, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) and Woodrow Wilson. In 1953, the NES expanded its educational outreach and launched the NES Scholarship Program, to provide access to higher education to deserving young scholars. The NES provides funding for New York City students attending colleges and universities in New England. The Society currently maintains its headquarters in midtown Manhattan. Full membership requires evidence of New England ancestry, education, or residence; associate membership is available to those who share an affinity for New England and the mission of NES.

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.