Cuba. An Order Of Honor & Merit Of The National Red Cross, Grand Cross, C.1920

(La Orden de Honor y Mérito de la Cruz Roja Cubana). Instituted 1909. Type I. A silver gilt Greek cross with red enamel arms and a silver five point star in each quadrant, surmounted by a nicely enameled green wreath suspension, central medallion exhibiting a hand painted Cuban coat-of-arms, surrounded by the Latin inscription INTER INIMICOS CHARITAS (Charity between Enemies), reverse medallion presents an inscribed cypher on a light blue enameled field, surrounded by the Latin inscription ORDEN DE HONOR Y MERITO (Order of Honor and Merit), unmarked, measures 53mm (w) x 84mm (h- inclusive of wreath suspension and horizontally pierced integral ball), gilt is well worn on the entirety of cross, obverse white enamel ring chipped, reverse white enamel ring heavily chipped, glue residue around the exterior of the obverse central medallion, and along the interior edges of the coat-of-arms painting, reverse center medallion has slipped off center placing it slightly on the right side of the cross, red enamels fully intact, fair.

Footnote: The Order was awarded for meritorious services according to the rank of the recipient. The Order was abolished in 1977. 

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.