Spain, Kingdom. A Humanitarian Order Of The Holy Cross & Victims Of 2Nd Of May 1808, C.1870

(La Orden Humanitaria de la Santa Cruz y Víctimas del 2 de Mayo de 1808). Instituted 1867. Alfonso XII (1868-1885). An eight-pointed silver star, with obverse centre depicting a red-enamelled silver Latin Cross, surmounted small green-enamelled laurel wreath with a white-enamelled ribbon featuring the inscription “Orden del 2 de Mayo 1808” (Order of 2nd of May, 1808) both in silver gilt, surrounded green-enamelled laurel branch with complementary palm branch, both in silver gilt, superposed silver canons and bullets beneath of the Latin Cross, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 67.28 mm (w) x 66.76 mm (h), toned silver, extremely fine. Rare.

Footnote: The Humanitarian Order of the Holy Cross and Victims of May 2, 1808 was instituted on May 13, 1867, and it was united to the Spanish Red Cross in 1869. It was founded as a commemoration of the victims of May 2, 1808 in Madrid, who suffered a cruel represion from Napoleonic troops. It was awarded to reward the merits and services rendered to the Order. 

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.