Spain, Kingdom. Royal And Military Order Of St. Hermenegildo, Grand Cross, C.1900

(Real y Militar Orden de San Hermenegildo). Instituted 1814. 1870-1926 Issue. A sash badge consisting of a silver gilt four-armed white enameled star, obverse centre exhibiting a gilt figure of St. Hermenegildo, surrounded by the Motto PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA MILITAR (Award for Military Constancy) on an enameled dark-blue border, reverse centre depicting cyphre of Ferdinand VII surrounded by an enameled dark-blue border, adorned by silver gilt Spanish Royal Crown, measuring 37.46 mm (w) x 55.43 (h - inclusive of royal crown), with period silk sash, very fine. Accompanied by the Grand Cross Star of the order, a silver gilt Maltese cross with ball finials, with clusters of silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre exhibiting figure of St. Hermenegildo on horse back on blue enamel background, surrounded by the Motto PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA MILITAR (Award for Military Constancy) on an enameled white border with enameled green laurel wreath in silver gilt, adorned by enameled red Spanish Royal Crown, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 80.94 mm (w) x 79.57 mm (h), with minor enamel loss, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo was founded in Spain by King Ferdinand VII after the end of the Peninsular War, on November 28, 1814. It was established in recognition of either Spanish or foreign military personnel who finally defeated the French army of Napoleon, and reconstituted the reign of Ferdinand VII.

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.