Spain, Franco Period. A Military Order Of St. Hermenegildo, Gold Cross, C.1950

(Orden Militar de San Hermenegildo). Instituted 1814 by King Ferdinand VII of Spain. Franco’s issue. An enameled white gilded-bordered four armed cross in bronze gilt, surmounted by period Spanish Imperial crown also in bronze gilt, obverse centre displaying a riding figure of St. Hermenegildo on an enameled blue background, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA MILITAR (Award for Military Constancy), reverse featuring the cypher of Ferdinand VII surrounded by a blue enamel ring, measuring 34.61 mm (w) x 48.68 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), presenting minor gilt loss with stained white enamels, suspended by original ribbon with a typical Spanish rectangular hanger with pinback, very good condition.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo was established by King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII on November 28, 1814, after the end of the Peninsular War. It was founded in recognition of Spanish and foreign military personnel who defeated the Napoleonic army, after four year of conflict, and reconstituted Ferdinand's VII reign. It is the first Spanish military Order awarded for length of services. 

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.