Guatemala, Conservative Regimen. An El Salvador And Honduras Campaign Cross, Officer, C.1863

(La Cruz de Oficial de la Campaña contra El Salvador y Honduras). Instituted 1863. A silver Maltese cross with white enamel fields and red boarders, featuring clusters of gilded rays in each quadrant, surrounded by delicate enameled green laurel wreath also in silver gilt, with nicely obverse centre featuring enameled red centre field in Gold, superposed by a coat of arms of Guatemala also in Gold, surrounded by enameled blue border with the inscription CAMPAÑA DEL SALVADOR Y HONDURAS 1836 (Campaign against El Salvador and Honduras) in Gold, reverse centre medallion depicting beautiful enameled red centre field with the inscription AL MERITO MILITAR (To Military Merit), surrounded by the inscription REPÚBLICA DE GUATEMALA (Guatemala Republic) on an enameled blue border both in Gold, suspended by an unusual enameled green laurel wreath in silver gilt, suspension hallmarked with French assay silver hallmarked denoting manufacture since 1838, measuring 38.55 mm (w) x 55.95 mm (h- inclusive of laurel suspension), with lost of gilt, loss of green and brown enamels, near to very fine.

Footnote: The Cross for the Campaign against El Salvador and Honduras was authorised by President Rafael Carrera to reward Guatemalan Officers who fought in the 1863 campaign against El Salvador and Honduras. 

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.