International. An Order Of Our Lady Of Mercy Mercedarian, Commander, C.1930

(Ordo Beatae Mariae de Mercede Redemptionis Captivorum). Established in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco. In silver gilt, consisting of an enameled white four armed cross, obverse centre featuring a partially enameled red Order’s insignia, mirrored reverse, adorned by Royal Crown with interior red enamels orb, measuring 53.48 mm (w) x 88.12 (h - inclusive of Royal Crown and horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), with enamel loss to centre, suspended by original neck ribbon, remains good.

Footnote: The Royal, Celestial and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives is a Catholic mendicant order established in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco in the city of Barcelona, at that time in the Principality of Catalonia (Crown of Aragon), for the redemption of Christian captives. Since its foundation, its members are required to take a fourth vow to, if necessary, to die for another who is in danger of losing their faith. In 1926, the Order’s Master General, Juan del Carmelo Garrido, reformed the Statutes of the association and established new norms for secular knights whom he divided into five classes or ranks: Great Cross, Commander with badge and title, Honorary Commander, Knights and Donates, setting up emblems for each category, uniforms, honors and precedence. Two years later, the King of Spain, Alfonso XIII, Great Commander of Our Lady of Mercy, issued a decree placing the Order of Mercy on the same level as other Spanish Orders of Knights and authorizing the use of badges and titles. 

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.