Chile, Republic. An Order Of Merit, Officer's Cross, C.1950

(Orden al Mérito). Instituted 1906. Type IV, 1929-present issue. Of French manufacture, consisting of a traditional Chilean five-armed star in silver with blue enamels, featuring a silver gilded laurel wreath between the arms, obverse centre exhibiting a female bust surrounded by the inscription REPUBLICA DE CHILE (Chilean Republic), reverse centre depicting an engraved laurel branch surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO (To Merit) in silver gilt, suspended by a condor suspension also in silver gilt, with French silver hallmark of boars head denoting small silver guarantee post 1838 located on integral ball, measuring 42.13 mm (w) x 53.76 mm (h- inclusive of the condor suspension), with minor loss of gilt, accompanied by original ribbon with rosette, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit was created in 1929 to recognise the meritorious service provided by foreign military personnel to Chilean army. The first medals were minted in gold and silver, giving them the title of First and Second Class. In 1911, The order had four classes: Grand Cross, First Class, Second Class, and Third Class; but later the Grand Officer was added. In 1925, all the classes were renamed. 

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.