Spain, Kingdom. An Order Of Charity, Ii Class Commander, Black And White Distinction, C.1920

(Orden Civil de Beneficencia). Instituted 1856. Type II, 1910-1931 issue. Black and White Distinction. An ornate eight-pointed silver star with ball finials, consisting of an enameled white and black star with detailed design in each quadrant in silver gilt, obverse centre exhibiting the Latin inscription FORTITUDO CHARITAS ABNEGATIO, with beautiful handmade symbol of charity, reverse with maker’s cartouche of MADRID MEDINA BARCELONA, one of the principal jeweler in Spain in the early twentieth century, with decorative neck suspension, measuring 57.94 mm (w) x 84.89 mm (h - inclusive decorative suspension), accompanied by original neck ribbon, with lost of gilt, 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 awarded to those individuals, whatever their social class, profession or occupation, who spontaneously, or by delegation of authority, rendered extraordinary services to the needy in time of public calamities. It was awarded also to those who had made voluntary donations according to their fortunes.

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.