Spain, Kingdom. A Civil Order Of Charity, I Class Star, C.1910

(Orden Civil de Beneficiencia). Instituted 1856. Type I, 1856-1868 and 1876-1910 issue. In silver, a multirayed faceted star, obverse centre exhibiting a six-pointed white enameled star with black enameled boarders and ball finials, featuring a silver gilt palm wreath in each quadrant, with a silver gilt figure of Charity on a red and blue enameled background, surrounded by the inscription A LA CARIDAD (To Charity), the reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 83.27 mm (w) x 83.15 mm (h), presenting minor crack of enamels, with slightly detached centre piece, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Charity was founded in Spain by Isabel II/Isabella II on May 17, 1856. It was established in recognition of the charity, solidarity, courage and valor of those volunteers who attended the cholera infection in Spain between 1854 and 1855. The Order was suspended by the First Spanish Republic in 1868, and it was re-instituted by the Restoration in 1875. In 1931, it was abolished again by the Second Spanish Republic, and finally restored in 1940 by General Francisco Franco. The Order was finally abolished in 1989, and it was replaced by the Civil Order of Social Solidarity 

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.