This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Orden al Mérito Militar). Intituted 1864. Franco Period (1938-1975). Type I, White Distinction. A finely eight-pointed star in silver gilt, with obverse centre depicting a large white-enamelled cross of four equal arms also in silver gilt, with superposed white, blue and red-enamelled silver-gilded national coat of arms, surmounted typical of period time Spanish royal crown and clasp both in silver gilt, with alternating silver lions and castles in each quadrant, reverse with decorative pin assembly and dual stays, with marked silver purity hallmark of 915/1000, and maker’s mark “Madrid Medina Barcelona”, marked postcode for Madrid “22M”, measuring 59.65 mm (w) x 59.62 mm (h), with loss of gilt in the edges of the cross, and toned silver in the lions and castles, extremely fine.
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. The White Division is awarded in recognition of meritorious service during missions, or services led by the Armed Forces, and connected to the defense of the nation.
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.

