Chile, Royal House Of Araucania. A Royal Order Of The Steel Crown, Knight, C.1875

Type II. In finely toned silver with a white and green enameled Maltese Cross with a silver star separately affixed within each quadrant, silver gilt centre pieces with green enameled laurels, gold crown on obverse, reverse medallion depicts the cypher of Orélie-Antoine I, hallmarked with eagles head denoting French manufacture, measuring 37.4 mm (w) x 46 mm (h - inclusive of horizontal tunnel suspension), with damage to 3 o'clock arm, remains fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Steel Crown was originally established as the Royal Order of South Star by the King of Araucania and Patagonia, Orélie-Antoine I, on December 17, 1869. It was founded as a Order of Knighthood. On December 31, 1872, Orélie-Antoine proceeded to a revision of the statutes of this Order and renamed it the Civil and Military Order of the Steel Crown. It was awarded to civilians and military personnel who served the independence and autonomy of the kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia. The Order consisted of Grand Cross, limited to 30 places; Grand Officer, limited to 50; Commander, limited to 100; Officer, limited to 300, and Knight, without limit places. The 20 Century versions usually has plain reverse. The Order of the Steel Crown is still awarded by the Royal House of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia currently sitting on Paris. 

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.