Vatican. An Order Of Our Lady Of Bethlehem, Grand Officer's Star, By Gardino And Cravanzola, C.1930

(Ordine Militare e Ospedaliero di S. Maria di Betlemme). Instituted 1459. Italian Unification period. An eight-pointed cut silver star with raised tips, with obverse centre exhibiting an enameled blue Maltese cross in silver gilt, with a silver gilded figure of Mary of Bethlehem surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed EQ ORDO SM DE BETHLEHEM (Equestrian Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem) also in silver gilt, reverse with pin assembly, marked by Italian maker’s mark of E. GARDINO SUCC. CRAVANZOLA ROMA, measuring 87.24 mm (w) x 86.27 mm (h), with slightly detached and repaired centrepiece and toned silver, otherwise extremely fine. \

Footnote: The Order of Our Lady of Bethlehem was founded as a military order on 19th January 1459 by Pope Pius II for defending of the Island of Lemnos. The order was composed of brother-knights and priests governed by an elective grand-master. Currently, the Order is consisting of more than 1000 members from different countries, among whom about 600 are living in Italy. 

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.