Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Annunciation, Lesser Collar with Star, by Cravanzola, c.1930

(Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata). Instituted 1362 by Amadeus VI Count of Savoy. A silver gilt chain made up of thirteen ornate sections, each of which is linked by Savoyan knots, each section has the letters FERT (Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tulit / By his bravery he conquered Rhodes), from the collar, at the centre hangs a medallion that portrays the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel, the medallion is surrounded by three intertwined Savoyan knots, decorated with small crosses fleury, and in the upper centre, between two of the Savoyan knots rests a cluster of rays with a dove representing the Holy Spirit, measuring 47.61 mm (w) x 69.31 mm (h), and in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, a silver gilt eight-armed star, each arm is composed of a cluster of seven rays, affixed to the star by stylized wings, over a shallow-faceted field presenting the motto FERT, the centre obverse displays a Medallion cross affixed to the silver backplate, decorated with stylized ropes and flowers, at the centre is the Annunciation scene over a scaled texture field, the reverse centre presenting a principle pin assembly, unmarked, measuring 84.70 x 84.66, weighing 104.5 grams, and in very fine condition. Accompanied by presentation case of issue, fitting the breast star and collar however the collar badge rests above the fitted medal bed, maker marked CRAVANZOLA Succ. E. Gardino Gioielleria Roma, measuring 220 mm (w) x 290 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), and in extremely fine condition

Footnote: The Order of the Most Sacred Annunciation was the highest of all Italian Orders and ranked in importance with that of the Golden Fleece of Spain and Austria and the Garter of England. The Order was awarded for most exceptional services, came in one class (Knight), and was limited to Roman Catholics (except for honorary members and foreigners). The letters FERT are most commonly attributed to stand for Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tulit (By his bravery he conquered Rhodes), but other theories suggest that the letters represent FOEDERE ET RELIGIONE TENEMUR (WE ARE HELD BY PACT AND RELIGION), or FORTITUDO EIUS REPUBLICAM TENET (HIS STRENGTH DEFENDS THE STATE). 

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.