Spain, Kingdom. A Royal & Distinguished Order Of Charles Iii, Grand Cross Star C.1910

(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted 1771. Restoration period (1875-1931). A brilliant cut silver Maltese Cross with traditional ball finials, exhibiting exquisite silver gilt Fleur-de-Lis in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting a detailed central medallion consisting of a Gold hand painted figure of St. Mary on a Gold base, surrounded enameled white and blue border in Gold depicting the motto VIRTUTI Et MÉRITO (Virtue and Merit), with enameled green and blue cypher of Charles III on 6 o’clock arm also in Gold, decorated top edge with beaded cut silver, reverse with typical of time period pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 75.35 mm (w) x 80.15 mm (h), with minor enamel loss to blue enamel boarder, better than extremely fine. Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III was founded in 1771 by Charles III King of Spain, and it was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. It was established in commemoration of the birth of his first grandson Charles Clement. The Order was awarded to individuals who displayed actions that had enhanced the prestige and goals of the Crown of Spain. Since its founding, it has been considered the highest civil awarded within Spain. Currently it is conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens for extremely meritorious domestic and foreign service to Spain.

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.