Portugal, Kingdom. An Order Of Instruction & Benevolence, Grand Cross Star, By Frederico Costa, C.1930

(Ordem da Instrução Pública). Instituted 1927. An eight-pointed star in silver gilt, obverse centre featuring an enameled blue eight-pointed star set in silver gilt, superposed by two gilt crossed palms leaves, centre medallion in Gold and hand etched, exhibiting an enameled Portuguese coat of arms, surrounded by the inscription INSTRUÇÃO PÚBLICA E BENEMERÊNCIA (Public Instruction and Benevolence), reverse with vertical pinback and with makers cartouche of FREDERICO COSTA LISBOA , measuring 88.26 mm (w) x 88.48 mm (h), with enamel flaking overall, fair.

Footnote: The order was founded in 1927, as an award for outstanding civil servants and teachers. It comes in four classes and a medal, with the Portuguese President as Grand Master. In 1929, the order was reformulated and split into two distinct orders, the "Order of Benevolence" and “Order of Instruction and of Benevolence”. 

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.