Peru, Republic. An Order of the Peruvian Sun, Grand Cross, by G. Lemaitre, c.1900

(Orden del Sol del Perú). Instituted on 8 October 1821 by General San Martin (liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru). Type III. Of high quality French manufacture in silver gilt, an early example consisting of eighteen arms, each composed of a cluster of five individual rays forming a radiating sun design, with obverse centre exhibiting an embossed Peruvian coat of arms, encircled by an enamelled red and white border with the inscription EL SOL DEL PERÚ 1821 (The Sun of the Peru 1821), surrounded by a gilt laurel wreath, reverse presenting makers cartouche of LEMAÎTRE 346 RUE St. HONORÉ, PARIS (firm operational at this address between 1843 - 1872), measuring 58.35 mm (w) x 61.53 mm (h), on a silver gilt and green enamel oval oak and laurel wreath suspension, on period original purple sash, and in overall near extremely fine 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.