Spain, Kingdom. A Royal And Distinguished Spanish Order Of Charles Iii In Gold, Commander, C.1860

(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted 1771. Isabel II (1833-1870). An exquisite four-armed blue and white-enamelled Maltese Cross with traditional Spanish dual ball finials in Gold, featuring fine fleur-de-lis in each quadrant in Gold, with delicate hand detailed laurel wreath also in Gold, obverse centre exhibiting a hand painted figure of St. Mary on a blue-enamelled border medallion in Gold, with reverse centre depicting cypher of Charles III with motto VIRTUTI Et MÉRITO (Virtue and Merit) in surround, measuring 41.39 mm (w) x 62.79 mm (h - inclusive of typical mid 19th Century elongated laurel wreath and horizontal integral ring), weighting 20.3 grams, minor loss of blue enamels on 3 o'clock arm, with replaced Gold ring suspension to be worn as a Knight, otherwise, very 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 Carlos Clemente. 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.