Vatican, Papel States.. An Order Of Pope Pius Ix, Grand Cross In Gold, By A.tanfani, C.1910

(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted 1847. A fine set consisiting of a large hollow sash badge in Gold, presenting an eight armed blue enameled star with Gold fan clusters in each quadrant, centre obverse with PIUS IX in Gold lettering on white enameled background, surround with blue lettering with Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit"), reverse centre with a white enameled field presenting Anno 1847 for Pius IX, measuring 63.5 mm (w) x 66.5 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring) , 29.4 grams, on mid 20th century silk sash, with blue enamel loss, extremely fine. Accompainied by the star of the order, in silver, consisting of a large blue enameled eight armed Gold cross, clusters of silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre with PIUS IX in Gold lettering on white enameled background, surround with blue lettering with Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit"), reverse centre with Anno with Roman numberals for 1847, maker marked A.Tanfani below hinge, measuring 75.8 mm (w) x 76 mm (h), near extremely fine.

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.