Spain, Kingdom. A Military Order Of St. Hermenegild, Commander, By Castells, C.1870

(Real y Militar Orden de San Hermenegildo). Instituted in 1814 by King Ferdinand VII. 1850-1890 issue. A ball-tipped Maltese cross in silver gilt, featuring multiple silver rays in each quadrant, with obverse centre exhibiting a superposed silver figure of St. Hermenegild on a dark blue enameled background, surrounded by a white enameled border inscribed PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA MILITAR (Award to Military Constancy), encircle by an enameled green laurel wreath also in silver gilt, the reverse with flat pin assembly and two stays, presenting early cartouche of Castells, Barcelona, with toned silver and discoloured blue enamels, with residue on 3 o'clock arm, otherwise very fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild was created by Ferdinand VII of Spain on 28 November, 1814, at the conclusion of the Spanish War of Independence. The Order was awarded in recognition of those soldiers who exceeded their military obligations and fought on, surpassing their suffering in battle. The Order is currently awarded to the general officers, commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers of the Spanish Army, Spanish Navy, Spanish Air Force, Common Corps and the Spanish Civil Guard, by their faultless and exemplary conduct in the service of the country and the crown. 

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.